CHAPTER 11:

DISPLACEMENT METHOD OF ANALYSIS:

MOMENT DISTRIBUTION

1
 Chapter Outline

11.1 General Principles and Definitions

11.2 Moment Distribution for Beams
11.3 Stiffness-Factor Modifications
11.4 Moment Distribution for Frames: No Sidesway
11.5 Moment Distribution for Frames: Sidesway

2
 11.1
GENERAL PRINCIPLES AND DEFINITIONS

3
 General Principles and Definitions

▪ Moment distribution is a method of successive approximations that may be

carried out to any desired degree of accuracy.
▪ The method begins by assuming each joint of a structure is fixed.
▪ By unlocking and locking each joint in succession, the internal moments at
the joints are “distributed” & balanced until the joints have rotated to their
final or nearly final positions.

4
 General Principles and Definitions

▪ Sign Convention: Clockwise moment is positive.

▪ Fixed-End Moments (FEMs)

- The moments at the fixed joints of a loaded member.

4𝐸𝐼
▪ Member stiffness factor 𝐾=
𝐿

▪ Joint stiffness factor

- The total stiffness factor of joint A is

𝐾𝑇 = ෍ 𝐾 = 4000 + 5000 + 1000 = 10000

5
 General Principles and Definitions
▪ Distribution Factor (DF)
- The fraction of the total resisting moment supplied by the member is called
the distribution factor (DF).
𝑀𝑖 𝐾𝑖 𝜃 𝐾𝑖 𝜃
𝐷𝐹𝑖 = = =
𝑀 σ 𝐾𝑖 𝜃 𝜃 σ 𝐾𝑖
𝐾
𝐷𝐹 =
σ𝐾
𝐷𝐹𝐴𝐵 = 4000/10,000 = 0.4
𝐷𝐹𝐴𝐶 = 5000/10,000 = 0.5
𝐷𝐹𝐴𝐷 = 1000/10,000 = 0.1

𝑀𝐴𝐵 = 0.4 2000 = 800 N ∙ m

𝑀𝐴𝐶 = 0.5 2000 = 1000 N ∙ m
𝑀𝐴𝐷 = 0.1 2000 = 200 N ∙ m
6
 General Principles and Definitions

▪ Member relative stiffness factor

- Quite often a continuous beam or a frame will be made from the same
material.
- E will therefore be constant.

𝐼
𝐾𝑅 =
𝐿

7
 General Principles and Definitions

▪ Carry-over (CO) factor

4𝐸𝐼 2𝐸𝐼
𝑀𝐴𝐵 = 𝜃A ; 𝑀𝐵𝐴 = 𝜃A
𝐿 𝐿

- Solving for A and equating these eqn,

𝑀𝐵𝐴 = 0.5𝑀𝐴𝐵

- The moment M at the pin induces a moment of M’ = 0.5M at the wall.

- In the case of a beam with the far end fixed, the CO factor is +0.5.
- The plus sign indicates both moments act in the same direction.

8
 11.2
MOMENT DISTRIBUTION FOR BEAMS

9
 Moment Distribution for Beams
4𝐸(120ሻ(106 ሻ
𝐾𝐵𝐴 = = 4𝐸(40ሻ(106 ሻ mm4 /m
3
4𝐸(240ሻ(106 ሻ
𝐾𝐵𝐶 = = 4𝐸(60ሻ(106 ሻ mm4 /m
4

4𝐸(40ሻ
𝐷𝐹𝐵𝐴 = = 0.4
4𝐸(40ሻ + 4𝐸(60ሻ
4𝐸(60ሻ
𝐷𝐹𝐵𝐶 = = 0.6
4𝐸(40ሻ + 4𝐸(60ሻ

4𝐸(40ሻ
𝐷𝐹𝐴𝐵 = =0
∞ + 4𝐸(40ሻ

4𝐸(60ሻ
𝐷𝐹𝐶𝐵 = =0
∞ + 4𝐸(60ሻ

10
 Moment Distribution for Beams

▪ Note that the above results could also have been obtained if the relative
stiffness factor is used.

▪ Fixed end moments:

𝑤𝐿2
(𝐹𝐸𝑀ሻ𝐵𝐶 = − = −8000 N•m
12
𝑤𝐿2
(𝐹𝐸𝑀ሻ𝐶𝐵 = = 8000 N•m
12

11
 Moment Distribution for Beams

▪ We begin by assuming joint B is fixed or

locked.
▪ The fixed end moment at B then holds
span BC in this fixed or locked position.
▪ This is not a true equilibrium state since
the moments on each side of this joint
must be equal but opposite.
▪ To correct this, we will apply an equal but
opposite moment of 8000 Nm to the joint
and allow the joint to rotate freely.

12
 Moment Distribution for Beams

• As a result, portions of this moment are distributed in spans BC and BA in

accordance with the DFs of these spans at the joint.
• Moment in BA is 0.4(8000) = 3200 Nm.
• Moment in BC is 0.6(8000) = 4800 Nm.
• These moment must be carried over since moments are developed at the far
ends of the span.
• Using the carry-over factor of +0.5, the results are shown.
• The steps are usually presented in tabular form.
• In this particular case only one cycle of moment distribution is necessary.
• The wall supports at A and C “absorb” the moments and no further joints
have to be balanced to satisfy joint equilibrium.
• Then, the moments at each joint are summed, yielding the final results.

13
 Moment Distribution for Beams

14
 Moment Distribution for Beams

15
 Moment Distribution for Beams

Example 11.2
Determine the internal moment at each support of the beam. The moment of
inertia of each span is indicated.

16
 Moment Distribution for Beams

Example 11.2 (Solution)

The moment does not get distributed in the overhanging span AB.
So the distribution factor (DF)BA =0.
Note: Span BC is based on 4EI/L since the pin rocker is not at the far end of the
beam. (No stiffness modification, See Section 11.3)

4𝐸(300ሻ(106 ሻ
𝐾𝐵𝐶 = = 300(106 ሻ𝐸
4

4𝐸(240ሻ(106 ሻ
𝐾𝐶𝐷 = = 320(106 ሻ𝐸
3

17
 Moment Distribution for Beams

Example 11.2 (Solution)

▪The overhanging span requires the internal moment to the left of B to be

+4000 Nm.
▪Balancing at joint B requires an internal moment of –4000 Nm to the right of
B.
▪-2000 Nm is added to BC in order to satisfy this condition in addition to FEM
-2000 Nm at the left of B.
▪ The distribution & CO operations proceed in the usual manner.
▪Since the internal moments are known, the moment diagram for the beam
can be constructed.

18
 Moment Distribution for Beams
Example 11.2 (Solution)

19
 11.3
STIFFNESS-FACTOR MODIFICATIONS

20
 Stiffness-Factor Modifications

▪ In the previous e.g. of moment distribution, we have considered each beam

span to be constrained by a fixed support at its far end when distributing &
carrying over the moments.
▪ In some cases, it is possible to modify the stiffness factor of a particular
beam span & thereby simplify the process of moment distribution.

21
 Stiffness-Factor Modifications

▪ Member pin supported at far end

- As shown, the applied moment M rotates end A by an amount .
- To determine , the shear in the conjugate beam at A’ must be determined.

1 𝑀 2
෍ 𝑀𝐵′ = 0 𝑉′𝐴 (𝐿ሻ − 𝐿 𝐿 =0
2 𝐸𝐼 3
𝑀𝐿 3𝐸𝐼
𝑉′𝐴 = 𝜃 = ⇒𝑀= 𝜃
3𝐸𝐼 𝐿

22
 Stiffness-Factor Modifications

▪ Member pin supported at far end

- The stiffness factor in the beam is

3𝐸𝐼
𝐾=
𝐿
- The CO factor is zero, since the pin at B does not support a moment.
- By comparison, if the stiffness factor was calculated assuming that the far
end was fixed supported, the stiffness factor would have to be modified by
¾ to model the case of having the far end pin supported.

23
 Stiffness-Factor Modifications

▪ Symmetric beam & loading

- The bending-moment diagram for the beam will also be symmetric.
- To develop the appropriate stiffness-factor modification consider the beam.
- Due to symmetry, the internal
moments at B & C are equal.
- Assuming this value to
be M, the conjugate
beam for span BC is shown.

24
 Stiffness-Factor Modifications

▪ Symmetric beam & loading

𝑀 𝐿
෍ 𝑀𝐶′ = 0 − 𝑉𝐵′ (𝐿ሻ + 𝐿 =0
𝐸𝐼 2
𝑀𝐿 2𝐸𝐼
𝑉𝐵′ = 𝜃 = ⇒𝑀= 𝜃
2𝐸𝐼 𝐿
2𝐸𝐼
𝐾= 𝜃
𝐿

- Moments for only half the beam can be distributed provided the stiffness
factor for the center span is computed as above

25
 Stiffness-Factor Modifications

▪ Symmetric beam with asymmetric loading

- Consider the beam as shown.
- The conjugate beam for its center span BC is shown.
- Due to its asymmetric loading, the internal moment at B is equal but
opposite to that at C.

26
 Stiffness-Factor Modifications

▪ Symmetric beam with asymmetric loading

- Assuming this value to be M, the slope  at each end is determined as
follows:

෍ 𝑀𝐶′ = 0

1 𝑀 𝐿 5𝐿 1 𝑀 𝐿 𝐿
− 𝑉𝐵′ (𝐿ሻ + − =0
2 𝐸𝐼 2 6 2 𝐸𝐼 2 6
𝑀𝐿 6𝐸𝐼
𝑉𝐵′ = 𝜃 = ⇒𝑀= 𝜃
6𝐸𝐼 𝐿
6𝐸𝐼
𝐾=
𝐿

27
 Stiffness-Factor Modifications

Example 11.4
Determine the internal moments at the supports of the beam shown below.
The moment of inertia of the two spans is shown in the figure.

28
 Stiffness-Factor Modifications

Example 11.4 (Solution)

The beam is roller supported at its far end C.

The stiffness of span BC will be computed on the basis of K = 3EI/L.
We have:

4𝐸𝐼 4𝐸(120ሻ(106 ሻ
𝐾𝐴𝐵 = = = 160(106 ሻ𝐸
𝐿 3

3𝐸𝐼 3𝐸(240ሻ(106 ሻ
𝐾𝐵𝐶 = = = 180(106 ሻ𝐸
𝐿 4

29
 Stiffness-Factor Modifications

Example 11.4 (Solution)

160𝐸
𝐷𝐹𝐴𝐵 = =0
∞ + 160𝐸
160𝐸
𝐷𝐹𝐵𝐴 = = 0.4706
160𝐸 + 180𝐸

180𝐸
𝐷𝐹𝐵𝐶 = = 0.5294
160𝐸 + 180𝐸

180𝐸
𝐷𝐹𝐶𝐵 = =1
180𝐸

𝑤𝐿2 −6000 4 2
𝐹𝐸𝑀 𝐵𝐶 =− = = −12000 N•m
8 8

30
 Stiffness-Factor Modifications
Example 11.4 (Solution)

The data are entered into the table as shown.

The moment distribution is carried out.
By comparison, the method considerably simplifies the distribution.
The beam’s end shears & moment diagrams are shown.

31
 11.4
MOMENT DISTRIBUTION FOR FRAMES: NO SIDESWAY

32
 Moment Distribution for Frames: No Sidesway

▪ Application of the moment-distribution method for frames having no

sidesway follows the same procedure as that given for beams.

33
 Moment Distribution for Frames: No Sidesway

Example 11.5
Determine the internal moments at the joints of the frame as shown.
There is a pin at E and D and a fixed support at A. EI is constant.

34
 Moment Distribution for Frames: No Sidesway

Example 11.5 (Solution)

By inspection, the pin at E will prevent the frame from sidesway.

The stiffness factors of CD and CE can be computed using K = 3EI/L since far
ends are pinned.
The 60-kN load does not contribute a FEM since it is applied at joint B.

4𝐸𝐼 4𝐸𝐼 3𝐸𝐼 3𝐸𝐼

𝐾𝐴𝐵 = ; 𝐾𝐵𝐶 = ; 𝐾𝐶𝐷 = ; 𝐾𝐶𝐸 =
5 6 5 4
𝐷𝐹𝐴𝐵 = 0
4𝐸 𝐼 Τ5
𝐷𝐹𝐵𝐴 = = 0.545
4𝐸 𝐼 Τ5 + 4𝐸 𝐼 Τ6
𝐷𝐹𝐵𝐶 = 1 − 0.545 = 0.455

35
 Moment Distribution for Frames: No Sidesway

Example 11.5 (Solution)

4𝐸 𝐼 Τ6
𝐷𝐹𝐶𝐵 = = 0.330
4𝐸 𝐼 Τ6 + 3𝐸 𝐼 Τ5 + 3𝐸 𝐼 Τ4
3𝐸 𝐼 Τ5
𝐷𝐹𝐶𝐷 = = 0.298
4𝐸 𝐼 Τ6 + 3𝐸 𝐼 Τ5 + 3𝐸 𝐼 Τ4

𝐷𝐹𝐶𝐸 = 1 − 0.330 − 0.298 = 0.372

𝐷𝐹𝐷𝐶 = 1; 𝐷𝐹𝐸𝐶 = 1

−𝑤𝐿2
(𝐹𝐸𝑀ሻ𝐵𝐶 = = −135 kNm
12
𝑤𝐿2
(𝐹𝐸𝑀ሻ𝐶𝐵 = = 135 kNm
12

36
 Moment Distribution for Frames: No Sidesway
Example 11.5 (Solution)

The data are shown in table.

The distribution of moments successively goes to
joints B & C.
The final moments are shown on the last line.

37
 11.5
MOMENT DISTRIBUTION FOR FRAMES: SIDESWAY

38
 Moment Distribution for Frames: Sidesway
▪ To determine sidesway and the internal moments at the joints using moment
distribution, we will use the principle of superposition.
▪ The frame shown is first held from sidesway by applying an artificial joint
support at C.
▪ Moment distribution is applied & by statics, the restraining force R is
determined.
▪ The equal but opposite restraining force is then applied to the frame.
▪ The moments in the frame are calculated.
𝑀 = (𝑅/𝑅′ሻ𝑀′
(R’)

= +

39
 Moment Distribution for Frames: Sidesway

▪ Multistory frames
- Multistory frameworks may have several independent joints disp.
- Consequently, the moment distribution analysis using the above techniques
will involve more computation.
- The structure shown can have 2 independent joint disp since the sidesway
of the first story is independent of any disp of the second story.

= + +

40
 Moment Distribution for Frames: Sidesway

▪ Multistory frames
- These disp are not known initially
- The analysis must proceed on the basis of superposition
- 2 restraining forces R1 and R2 are applied
- The fixed end moments are determined & distributed
- Using the eqn of equilibrium, the numerical values of R1 and R2 are then
determined
- The restraint at the floor of the first story is removed & the floor is given a
disp Δ’
- This disp causes fixed end moments (FEMs) in the frame which can be
assigned specific numerical values
- By distributing these moments & using the eqn of equilibrium, the
associated numerical values of R’1 and R’2 can be determined

41
 Moment Distribution for Frames: Sidesway

▪ Multistory frames
- In a similar manner, the floor of the second story is then given a disp Δ’’
and the values of R’’1 and R’’2 determined.
- With reference to the restraining forces we require equal but opposite
application of R1 and R2 to the frame such that:

𝑅2 = −𝐶′𝑅′2 + 𝐶"𝑅"2
𝑅1 = +𝐶′𝑅′1 − 𝐶"𝑅"1

- Simultaneous solution of these eqn yields the values of C’ and C”.

- These correction factors are then multiplied by the internal joint moments
found from moment distribution.
- The resultant moments are found by adding these corrected moments to
those obtained for the frame.

42
 Moment Distribution for Frames: Sidesway

Example 11.6
Determine the moments at each joint of the frame shown. EI is constant.

43
 Moment Distribution for Frames: Sidesway

Example 11.6 (Solution)

First, we consider the frame held from sidesway

16 4 2 (1ሻ
(𝐹𝐸𝑀ሻ𝐵𝐶 = − 2
= −10.24 kN•m
5
16 1 2 (4ሻ
(𝐹𝐸𝑀ሻ𝐶𝐵 = = 2.56 kN•m
5 2

The stiffness factor of each span is computed on the basis of 4EI/L or using
relative stiffness factor I/L

= +

44
 Moment Distribution for Frames: Sidesway

Example 11.6 (Solution)

The DFs and the moment distribution are shown in the table.

45
 Moment Distribution for Frames: Sidesway
Example 11.6 (Solution)

The eqn of eqm are applied to the free body diagrams of the columns in order
to determine Ax and Dx

From the free body diagram of the entire frame, the joint restraint R has a
magnitude of

෍ 𝐹𝑥 = 0; 𝑅 = 1.73 kN − 0.81 kN = 0.92 kN

46
 Moment Distribution for Frames: Sidesway

Example 11.6 (Solution)

An equal but opposite value of R = 0.92 kN must be applied to the frame at C

and the internal moments computed.
We assume a force R’ is applied at C, causing the frame to deflect as shown.
The joints at B and C are temporarily restrained from rotating.
As a result, the FEM at the ends of the columns are determined.

47
 Moment Distribution for Frames: Sidesway
Example 11.6 (Solution)

Since both B and C happen to be displaced the same amount as Δ’ and AB and
DC have the same E, I and L, the FEM in AB will be the same as that in DC.
As shown we will arbitrarily assumed this FEM to be
𝐹𝐸𝑀 𝐴𝐵 = 𝐹𝐸𝑀 𝐵𝐴 = 𝐹𝐸𝑀 𝐶𝐷 = 𝐹𝐸𝑀 𝐷𝐶 = −100 kN•m

The moment distribution

of the FEM is shown.

48
 Moment Distribution for Frames: Sidesway
Example 11.6 (Solution)

From the equilibrium, the horizontal reactions at A and D are calculated.

For the entire frame, we require:

෍ 𝐹𝑥 = 0; 𝑅′ = 28 + 28 = 56 kN
R’=56 kN creates the moments tabulated earlier
Corresponding moments caused by R = 0.92 kN can be
determined by proportion

0.92
𝑀𝐴𝐵 = 2.88 + −80 = 1.57 kN•m
56.0
𝑀𝐵𝐴 = 4.79 kN•m; 𝑀𝐵𝐶 = −4.79 kN•m
𝑀𝐶𝐵 = 3.71 kN•m; 𝑀𝐶𝐷 = −3.71 kN•m

𝑀𝐷𝐶 = −2.63 kN•m

49
 Moment Distribution for Frames: Sidesway

Example 11.7
Determine the moments at each joint of the frame shown.

= +

50
 Moment Distribution for Frames: Sidesway

Example 11.7

51
 Moment Distribution for Frames: Sidesway

Example 11.7

52
 Moment Distribution for Frames: Sidesway

Example 11.8
Determine the moments at each joint of the frame shown. EI is constant.

53
 Moment Distribution for Frames: Sidesway

Example 11.8

54
 Moment Distribution for Frames: Sidesway

Example 11.8

2
𝐹𝐸𝑀 𝐵𝐴 = 𝐹𝐸𝑀 𝐶𝐷 = −3𝐸𝐼𝛥 ′Τ 5

𝐹𝐸𝑀 = 𝐹𝐸𝑀 = 6𝐸𝐼(1.2𝛥′ ሻΤ 5 2

𝐵𝐶 𝐶𝐵

55