CEN203-Engineering Structures

Department of Civil Engineering

Slope Deflection and Moment Distribution Method

Indeterminate Structures:
Statically indeterminate structures occur more frequently in practice than those that are statically
determinate and are generally more economical in that they stiffer and stronger. For example, a
fixed beam carrying concentrated load at midspan, a propped cantilever beam and a continuous
beam with concentrated and uniformly distributed loads as shown in the figure are statically
indeterminate structures.
𝑾

𝒘𝟏 𝑾 𝒘𝟐

There are, however, disadvantages in the use of these types of beams. One is the settling of a
support in a fixed beam causes bending moments that are additional to those produced by the
loads. Another disadvantage is that their analysis requires complex calculations.

Slope Deflection Method:

Slope deflection method is used to analyse statically indeterminate structures such as beams and
frames. In this method, the shear forces and bending moments at the end of a beam element are
related to the rotations and end displacements. Equations to determine the end moments of a
statically indeterminate beam or a frame are described below.

A B
𝑬𝑬

𝑓 2𝐸𝐸 3𝛿
𝑀AB = 𝑀AB + �2𝜃A + 𝜃B − �
𝐿 𝐿
𝑓 2𝐸𝐸 3𝛿
𝑀BA = 𝑀BA + �2𝜃B + 𝜃A − �
𝐿 𝐿
𝑀AB − Bending moment at A (Considering AB)
𝑓
𝑀AB − Fixed end moment at A (Considering AB)
𝜃A , 𝜃B − Slope at A and B
𝛿 − Relative displacement between A and B
1 Dr. Ominda Nanayakkara
 CEN203-Engineering Structures
Department of Civil Engineering

Proof of the equations of ‘Slope Deflection Method’:

Consider a beam with applied loads on its span. Additionally, it has support rotations and
deflections. As a result of above mentioned loadings, rotations and deflections, shear forces and
bending moments are induced in the beam.
𝑳

𝑾, 𝒘

A B
𝑬𝑬
𝜽𝐀
𝑴𝐀𝐀 𝑴𝐁𝐁
𝜹
𝑹𝐀 𝑹𝐁
𝜽𝐁

Sign convention:
Bending Moments: Clockwise positive.
Shear Forces: Positive if ↑↓.
Rotations: Clockwise positive.
Displacements (relative): Clockwise positive (beam rotate in clockwise direction).

The principle of superposition is

used to analyse the above beam. A B
The effect of loadings only is
considered to determine fixed
𝒇 𝒇
end moments. Then the effect of 𝑴𝐀𝐀 𝑴𝐁𝐁
rotations and displacements are 𝒇 𝒇
𝑹 𝑹𝐁
considered without taking the 𝐀 +
effect of loadings.
𝜽𝐀
𝒎𝐀𝐀 𝒓𝐁
δ
𝒓𝐀 𝒎𝐁𝐁
𝜽𝐁

Total moments can be obtained by the summation of fixed end moments (𝑀 𝑓 ) and moments
induced by rotations and displacement (𝑚) as described in following equations.
𝑓
𝑀AB = 𝑀AB + 𝑚AB
𝑓
𝑀BA = 𝑀BA + 𝑚BA
2 Dr. Ominda Nanayakkara
 CEN203-Engineering Structures
Department of Civil Engineering

Fixed end moments(𝑀 𝑓 ):

Calculation of fixed end moments is straight forward as described below. Text books give fixed
end moments for different loading conditions and patterns.
𝒇 𝒇 𝒇 𝒇
𝑴𝐀𝐀 𝑾 𝑴𝐁𝐁 𝑴𝐀𝐀 𝒘 𝑴𝐁𝐁

A B A B

𝒂 𝒃 𝑳

𝑓 𝑊𝑊𝑏 2 𝑓 𝑊𝑎2 𝑏 𝑓 𝑤𝑤2 𝑓 𝑤𝑤2

𝑀AB = − 𝑀BA = 𝑀AB = − 𝑀BA =
𝐿2 𝐿2 12 12

Moments induced by rotations and displacement (𝑚):

However, an equation needs to be developed to determine the moments by rotations and
displacements (slope deflection equations).

Consider a x − x section at a x
A x
distance 𝑥 from support A.
Deflection, 𝑧 , is measured 𝜽𝐀
𝒓𝐁
downward positive. 𝒓𝐀 𝒎𝐀𝐀
𝜹
x 𝒎𝐁𝐁
z 𝜽𝐁
B

𝑀x = −𝑚AB − 𝑟A 𝑥 ; Hogging (+)

𝑑2𝑧
𝐸𝐸 = 𝑀x = −𝑚AB − 𝑟A 𝑥
𝑑𝑥 2
Integrating w.r.t. 𝑥:
𝑑𝑑 𝑥2
𝐸𝐸 = −𝑚AB 𝑥 − 𝑟A + 𝐶1 → (1)
𝑑𝑑 2
𝑥2 𝑥3
𝐸𝐸𝐸 = −𝑚AB − 𝑟A + 𝐶1 𝑥 + 𝐶2 → (2)
2 6

Boundary conditions:
𝑑𝑑
1. 𝑥 = 0, 𝑑𝑑 = 𝜃A ; (1) ⇒ 𝐶1 = 𝐸𝐸𝐸A
2. 𝑥 = 0, 𝑧 = 0; (2) ⇒ 𝐶2 = 0
𝑑𝑑 𝐿2
3. 𝑥 = 𝐿, 𝑑𝑑 = 𝜃B ; (1) ⇒ 𝐸𝐸𝜃B = −𝑚AB 𝐿 − 𝑟A + 𝐸𝐸𝜃A
2
𝐿2 𝐿3
4. 𝑥 = 𝐿, 𝑧 = 𝛿; (2) ⇒ 𝐸𝐸𝐸 = −𝑚AB − 𝑟A + 𝐸𝐸𝜃A 𝐿
2 6
3 Dr. Ominda Nanayakkara
 CEN203-Engineering Structures
Department of Civil Engineering

Eliminate 𝑟A and solve for 𝑚AB :

2𝐸𝐸 3𝛿
𝑚AB = �2𝜃A + 𝜃B − �
𝐿 𝐿
Similarly:
2𝐸𝐸 3𝛿
𝑚BA = �2𝜃B + 𝜃A − �
𝐿 𝐿
Therefore, the complete solutions for support bending moments (slope deflection equations) are
as follows:

𝑓 2𝐸𝐸 3𝛿
𝑀AB = 𝑀AB + �2𝜃A + 𝜃B − �
𝐿 𝐿
𝑓 2𝐸𝐸 3𝛿
𝑀BA = 𝑀BA + �2𝜃B + 𝜃A − �
𝐿 𝐿
Procedure for analysis:
1. Determine fixed end moments (FEM).
2. Write slope deflection equations.
3. Consider the joint equilibrium. (∑ 𝑀 = 0)
4. Solve for rotations and deflections.
5. Moments at supports can be determined.

4 Dr. Ominda Nanayakkara

 CEN203-Engineering Structures
Department of Civil Engineering

Portal Frames:
Portal frames consist of moment resisting joints. Therefore the angle between two members
remains constant before and after the deformation occurred by loadings. Portal frames fall into
two distinct categories. In the first, frames are symmetrical in geometry and symmetrically
loaded while in the second the frames are unsymmetrical due either to their geometry, the
loading or a combination of both.

𝒘
Frames – No sway: 𝑷
A frame which is properly
restrained will not sway or be
displaced to the left or right as
shown in the figure. Sway will
not occur in unrestrained
frames provided it is symmetric
with respect to both loadings
and geometry.

𝒘 𝒘 𝒘

Frames – Sway:
A frame will sway or be 𝒘 𝒘
displaced to the side, when it
or the loading acting on it is
not symmetric as shown in
the figure below.

When applying slope deflection equations to the frame which swayed, the displacement should
be taken into account which is an unknown. Though calculation steps are complicated, it is
possible to determine the rotations, displacements and moments induced in the frame.

5 Dr. Ominda Nanayakkara

 CEN203-Engineering Structures
Department of Civil Engineering

Moment Distribution Method:

Moment distribution method is another numerical technique which is used to analyse statically
indeterminate structures. In this method, moments in the members of a structure are determined
by successive approximations.

Mechanism:
Stage 1:
All supports of the beam ABCD are clamped. A load of 𝑊 is applied to BC and only that part of
the beam deflects with induced bending moments at B and C as shown in the figure below.

𝑾
A B C D

Stage 2:
Clamp at B is released so that AB deflects. Because of this, a bending moment is generated at A
while the bending moments at B and C changes accordingly.

𝑾
A B C D

Stage 3:
Now B is clamped and the clamp at C is released. Because of this, a bending moment is
generated at D while the bending moment at C changes.

𝑾
A B C D

This process can now be continued with B and C clamped and released alternatively until the
rotation at B and C no longer changes. The structure is now in equilibrium condition.

General procedure of moment distribution method is to start with fixed end moments (clamped
condition) of each part of the beam and balance and distribute moments simultaneously at each
joint until the required degree of balance is achieved.

6 Dr. Ominda Nanayakkara

 CEN203-Engineering Structures
Department of Civil Engineering

Terms and their proof:

Sign convention:
The sign convention is the same with ‘slope deflection method’.

Case 1: Stiffness - Remote end is fixed:

This is to find the relationship between the moment applied to the end of a member and the
rotation at that end when the remote end is fixed in position and direction.

Apply slope deflection equation:

𝑴𝐀𝐀
𝑓 2𝐸𝐸 3𝛿 A B
𝑀AB = 𝑀AB + �2𝜃A + 𝜃B − �
𝐿 𝐿 𝜽𝐀
𝑓
𝑀AB = 0, 𝜃B = 0, 𝛿 = 0
𝑳
4𝐸𝐸
𝑀AB = 𝜃
𝐿 A
𝑀AB 4𝐸𝐸 4𝐸𝐸
= , 𝐾= (remote end fixed)
𝜃A 𝐿 𝐿

𝑲 is called the stiffness (stiffness factor) and it is the moment to create a unit rotation.

𝑓 2𝐸𝐸 3𝛿
𝑀BA = 𝑀BA + �2𝜃B + 𝜃A − �
𝐿 𝐿
2𝐸𝐸
𝑀BA = 𝜃
𝐿 A
1
𝑀BA = 𝑀AB
2
When a moment is applied to a beam of far end fixed, half of the applied moment is carried to
1
the fixed end so that the Carry Over Factor (COF) = 2

Case 2: Stiffness - Remote end is pinned:

This is to find the relationship between the moment applied to the end of a member and the
rotation at that end when the remote end is free to rotate.

Apply slope deflection equation:

𝑴𝐀𝐀
𝑓 2𝐸𝐸 3𝛿 A B
𝑀AB = 𝑀AB + �2𝜃A + 𝜃B − �
𝐿 𝐿 𝜽𝐀
𝑓
𝑀AB = 0, 𝛿 = 0
𝑳
2𝐸𝐸
𝑀AB = [2𝜃A + 𝜃B ]
𝐿

7 Dr. Ominda Nanayakkara

 CEN203-Engineering Structures
Department of Civil Engineering

𝑓 2𝐸𝐸 3𝛿
𝑀BA = 𝑀BA + �2𝜃B + 𝜃A − �
𝐿 𝐿
𝑓
𝑀BA = 0, 𝛿 = 0
2𝐸𝐸 1
𝑀BA = [2𝜃B + 𝜃A ] ⇒ 𝑀BA = 0 ⇒ 𝜃B = − 𝜃A
𝐿 2
Therefore:
2𝐸𝐸 1 𝑀AB 3𝐸𝐸 3𝐸𝐸
𝑀AB = �2𝜃A − 𝜃A � ⇒ = ,𝐾 = (remote end pinned)
𝐿 2 𝜃A 𝐿 𝐿

Stiffness is higher when remote end is fixed and the stiffness is lesser when remote end is pinned.

Case 3: Stiffness - Symmetric loadings:

This is to find the stiffness of a symmetric beam (applicable to the central span of the continuous
beam). Equal and opposite bending moments are applied to the both end of a member.

Apply slope deflection equation:

A 𝑴𝐀𝐀 𝑴𝐁𝐁 B
2𝐸𝐸 𝜽𝐀 𝜽𝐁
𝑀AB = [2𝜃A + 𝜃B ]
𝐿
2𝐸𝐸 𝑳
Similarly, 𝑀BA = [2𝜃B + 𝜃A ]
𝐿
2𝐸𝐸 2𝐸𝐸
𝑀AB = −𝑀BA ⇒ [2𝜃B + 𝜃A ] = − [2𝜃A + 𝜃B ] ⇒ 𝜃A = −𝜃B
𝐿 𝐿
Therefore:
2𝐸𝐸 𝑀AB 2𝐸𝐸 2𝐸𝐸
𝑀AB = [2𝜃A − 𝜃A ] ⇒ = ,𝐾 = (symmetric beams)
𝐿 𝜃A 𝐿 𝐿

Stiffness is smaller when both ends of the central span of a continuous beam are applied equal
bending moments. Thus identical operations will be carried out at each end of the central span so
that there will be no Carry Over Factor (COF).

Case 4: Moment induced by a relative displacement:

This is to find the moment induced at each end of a member when one end of the member is
displaced relative to the other end and both ends are fixed in direction.
𝑴𝐀𝐀
Apply slope deflection equation: A

𝑓 2𝐸𝐸 3𝛿
𝑀AB = 𝑀AB + �2𝜃A + 𝜃B − � 𝑴𝐁𝐁 𝜹
𝐿 𝐿 B
𝑓
𝑀AB = 0, 𝜃B = 0, 𝜃A = 0 𝑳

8 Dr. Ominda Nanayakkara

 CEN203-Engineering Structures
Department of Civil Engineering

6𝐸𝐸
𝑀AB = − 𝛿
𝐿2
6𝐸𝐸
Similarly, 𝑀BA = − 𝛿
𝐿2
B
Distribution of moments of a joint:
A moment 𝑀 is applied to the joint.
The joint rotates at an angle of 𝜃.
Individual element moments are given by,

4𝐸𝐸
𝑀OA = 𝜃 = 𝐾OA 𝜃
𝐿OA
𝜽
4𝐸𝐸
𝑀OB = 𝜃 = 𝐾OB 𝜃
𝐿OB
O
4𝐸𝐸 𝜽 C
𝑀OC = 𝜃 = 𝐾OC 𝜃
𝐿OC 𝜽
4𝐸𝐸 𝑴
𝑀OD = 𝜃 = 𝐾OD 𝜃 𝜽
𝐿OD A

D
Individual moments are in equilibrium with applied total moment.
𝑀 = 𝑀OA + 𝑀OB + 𝑀OC + 𝑀OD
4𝐸𝐸 4𝐸𝐸 4𝐸𝐸 4𝐸𝐸
𝑀=� + + + � 𝜃 = (𝐾OA + 𝐾OB + 𝐾OC + 𝐾OD )𝜃
𝐿OA 𝐿OB 𝐿OC 𝐿OD

𝑀 = �� 𝐾� 𝜃

𝑀
𝜃=
(∑ 𝐾)

Therefore, moment induced at member OA,

𝐾OA
𝑀OA = � �𝑀
(∑ 𝐾)
𝐾OA
� � is called the Distribution Factor (DF)
(∑ 𝐾)
Note: Summation of distribution factors for all members is equal to 1.

9 Dr. Ominda Nanayakkara

 CEN203-Engineering Structures
Department of Civil Engineering

Procedure for analysis:

1. Apply imaginary clamps at each joint and calculate Fixed End Moments (FEM) based on
loads.
2. Calculate Distribution Factors (DF).
3. Release imaginary clamps at joints and balance any out of balance moment at supports.
4. Adjust the moment at the remote end accordingly using the Carry Over Factor (COF).
5. Repeat the process at each joint until the out of balance moments is sufficiently small.

Abbreviations used:
DF – Distribution Factor
COF – Carry Over Factor
FEM – Fixed End Moment
COM – Carry Over Moment

10 Dr. Ominda Nanayakkara