Moment-Distribution Method

Structural Analysis
By
Aslam Kassimali

University of Engineering & Technology, Taxila

University of Engineering & Technology, Taxila

Moment-Distribution Method

• Classical method.

• Used for Beams and Frames.

• Developed by Hardy Cross in 1924.

• Used by Engineers for analysis of small structures.

• It does not involve the solution of many simultaneous equations.

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Moment-Distribution Method

• For beams and frames without sidesway, it does not involve the
solution of simultaneous equations.

• For frames with sidesway, number of simultaneous equations

usually equals the number of independent joint translations.

• In this method, Moment Equilibrium Equations of joints are solved

iteratively by considering the moment equilibrium at one joint at a
time, while the remaining joints are considered to be restrained.

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Definitions and Terminology

Sign Convention

• Counterclockwise member end moments are considered positive.

• Clockwise moments on joints are considered positive.

Member Stiffness

• Consider a prismatic beam AB, which is hinged at end A and fixed

at end B.

A B
L
EI = constant 4
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Member Stiffness

If we apply a moment M at the end A, the beam rotates by an

angle θ at the hinged end A and develops a moment MBA at the
fixed end B, as shown.

MBA
M = applied moment θ
A B
L
EI = constant

The relationship between the applied moment M and the rotation

θ can be established using the slope-deflection equation.

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Member Stiffness

By substituting Mnf = M, θn = θ, and θf = Ψ = FEMnf = 0 into the

slope-deflection equation, we obtain

 4 EI 
M   (1)
 L 

“The bending stiffness, K , of a member is defined as the moment

that must be applied at an end of the member to cause a unit
rotation of that end.”

By setting θ = 1 rad in Eq. 1, we obtain the expression for the

bending stiffness of the beam of figure to be
4 EI
K (2)
L 6
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Member Stiffness

when the modulus of elasticity for all the members of a structure is

the same (constant), it is usually convenient to work with the
relative bending stiffness of members in the analysis.

“The relative bending stiffness, K, of a member is obtained by

dividing its bending stiffness, K , by 4E.”

K I
K  (3)
4E L

• Now suppose that the far end B of the beam is hinged as shown.

A B
L
EI = constant 7
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Member Stiffness

The relationship between the applied moment M and the rotation

θ of the end A of the beam can now be determined by using the
modified slope-deflection equation.

By substituting Mrh = M, θr = θ, and Ψ = FEMrh = FEMhr = 0 into

MSDE, we obtain

 3EI 
M   (4)
 L 

M = applied moment θ
A B
L
EI = constant 8
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Member Stiffness

By setting θ = 1 rad, we obtain the expression for the bending

stiffness of the beam of figure to be
3EI
K (5)
L

A comparison of Eq. 2 & Eq. 5 indicates that the stiffness of the

beam is reduced by 25% when the fixed support at B is replaced by
a hinged support.

The relative bending stiffness of the beam can now be obtained by

dividing its bending stiffness by 4E.

K 3 I 
K    (6)
4E 4  L 
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Member Stiffness
Relationship b/w applied end moment M and the rotation θ
 4 EI 
 L  if far end of member is fixed
 
M  (7)
 3EI 
  if far end of member is hinged
 L 

Bending stiffness of a member

 4 EI
 if far end of member is fixed
 L
K  (8)
 3EI if far end of member is hinged

 L
Relative bending stiffness of a member
I
 if far end of member is fixed
L
K  (9)
3 I if far end of member is hinged

4 L 10
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Carryover Moment

Let us consider again the hinged-fixed beam of Figure.

MBA = carryover moment
M = applied moment θ
A B
L
EI = constant

When a moment M is applied at the hinged end A of the beam, a

moment MBA develops at the fixed end B.

The moment MBA is termed the carryover moment.

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Carryover Moment

To establish the relationship b/w the applied moment M and the

carryover moment MBA, we write the slope deflection equation for
MBA by substituting Mnf = MBA, θf = θ, and θn = Ψ = FEMnf = 0 into
SDE
 2 EI 
M BA    (10)
 L 

By substituting θ = ML/(4EI) from Eq. 1 into Eq. 10, we obtain

M
M BA  (11)
2
Eq. 11 indicates, when a moment of magnitude M is applied at the
hinged end of the beam, one-half of the applied moment is carried
over to the far end, provided that the far end is fixed. The direction
of MBA and M is same.
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Carryover Moment

When the far end of the beam is hinged as shown, the carryover
moment MBA is zero.

M = applied moment θ
A B
L
EI = constant

M
 if far end of member is fixed
M BA   2 (12)
0
 if far end of member is hinged

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Carryover Factor (COF)

“The ratio of the carryover moment to the applied moment

(MBA/M) is called the carryover factor of the member.”

It represents the fraction of the applied moment M that is carried

over to the far end of the member. By dividing Eq. 12 by M, we can
express the carryover factor (COF) as

1
 if far end of member is fixed
COF   2 (13)
0
 if far end of member is hinged

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Distribution Factors

When analyzing a structure by the moment-distribution method,

an important question that arises is how to distribute a moment
applied at a joint among the various members connected to that
joint.

Consider the three-member frame shown in figure below.

A B D

E = constant L2 , I 2

C
L1, I1 L3, I3
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Suppose that a moment M is applied to the joint B, causing it to

rotate by an angle θ as shown in figure below.

M = applied moment

A θ B D
θ

θ
E = constant L2, I2

C
L1, I1 L3, I3

To determine what fraction of applied moment is resisted by each

of the three members AB, BC, and BD, we draw free-body diagrams
of joint B and of the three members AB, BC, and BD.
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By considering the moment equilibrium of the free body of joint B

(∑MB = 0), we write

M  M BA  M BC  M BD  0

M  M BA  M BC  M BD  (14 )

M
MBA MBA MBD
B
A B B D
MBC MBD

MBC
B

C
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Since members AB, BC, and BD are rigidly connected to joint B, the
rotations of the ends B of these members are the same as that of
the joint.

The moments at the ends B of the members can be expressed in

terms of the joint rotation θ by applying Eq. 7.

Noting that the far ends A and C, respectively, of members AB and

BC are fixed, whereas the far end D of member BD is hinged, we
apply Eq. 7 through Eq. 9 to each member to obtain
 4 EI1 
M BA     K BA  4 EKBA (15)
 L1 
 4 EI2 
M BC     K BC  4 EKBC (16)
 L2 
 3EI3 
M BD     K BD  4 EKBD (17)
 L3  18
University of Engineering & Technology, Taxila

Substitution of Eq. 15 through Eq. 17 into the equilibrium equation

Eq. 14 yields
 4 EI1 4 EI2 3EI3 
M     
 L1 L2 L3 
 K BA  K BC  K BD    K B  (18)

in which K B represents the sum of the bending stiffnesses of all

the members connected to joint B.

“The rotational stiffness of a joint is defined as the moment

required to cause a unit rotation of the joint.”

From Eq. 18, we can see that the rotational stiffness of a joint is
equal to the sum of the bending stiffnesses of all the members
rigidly connected to the joint.
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The negative sign in Eq. 18 appears because of the sign convention.

To express member end moments in terms of the applied moment

M, we first rewrite Eq. 18 in terms of the relative bending
stiffnesses of members as

M  4 E K BA  K BC  K BD   4 E  K B 
M
  (19)
4E  K B

By substituting Eq. 19 into Eqs. 15 through 17, we obtain

 K BA 
M BA   M (20)
K 
 B 

 K BC 
M BC   M (21)
K 
 B 
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 K BD 
M BD   M (22)
K 
 B 

From Eqs. 20 through 22, we can see that the applied moment M is
distributed to the three members in proportion to their relative
bending stiffnesses.

“The ratio K/∑KB for a member is termed the distribution factor of

that member for end B, and it represents the fraction of the applied
moment M that is distributed to end B of the member.”

Thus Eqs. 20 through 22 can be expressed as

M BA   DFBA M (23)
M BC   DFBC M (24)
M BD   DFBD M (25)
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in which DFBA = KBA/∑KB, DFBC = KBC/∑KB, and DFBD = KBD/∑KB, are the
distribution factors for ends B of members AB, BC, and BD,
respectively.

For example, if joint B of the frame is subjected to a clockwise

moment of 150 k-ft (M = 150 k-ft) and if L1 = L2 = 20 ft, L3 = 30 ft,
and I1 = I2 = I3 = I, so that
I
K BA  K BC   0.05I
20
3 I 
K BD     0.025I
4  30 

then the distribution factors for the ends B of members AB, BC,
and BD are given by

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K BA 0.05 I
DFBA    0.4
K BA  K BC  K BD 0.05  0.05  0.025 I
K BC 0.05 I
DFBC    0.4
K BA  K BC  K BD 0.125 I
K BD 0.025 I
DFBD    0.2
K BA  K BC  K BD 0.125 I

These distribution factors indicate that 40% of the 150 k-ft

moment applied to joint B is exerted at end B of member AB, 40%
at end B of member BC, and the remaining 20% at end B of
member BD.
The moments at ends B of the three members are

M BA   DFBA M  0.4150  60 k - ft or 60 k - ft

M BC   DFBC M  0.4150  60 k - ft or 60 k - ft
M BD   DFBD M  0.2150  30 k - ft or 30 k - ft
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Based on the foregoing discussion, we can state that, in general,

“the distribution factor (DF) for an end of a member that is rigidly
connected to the adjacent joint equals the ratio of the relative
bending stiffness of the member to the sum of the relative bending
stiffnesses of all the members framing into the joint”; that is

K
DF  (26)
K

“The moment distributed to (or resisted by) a rigidly connected end

of a member equals the distribution factor for that end times the
negative of the moment applied to the adjacent joint.”

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Fixed-End Moments

The fixed end moment expressions for some common types of

loading conditions as well as for relative displacements of member
ends are given inside the back cover of book.

In the MDM, the effects of joint translations due to support

settlements and sidesway are also taken into account by means of
fixed-end moments.

Consider the fixed beam of Figure.

A B
L
EI 25
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A small settlement Δ of the left end A of the beam with respect to

the right end B causes the beam’s chord to rotate counterclockwise
by an angle Ψ = Δ/L.

6 EI
Δ A B L2
Ψ

6 EI
L
L2
EI

By writing the SDE for the two end moments with Ψ = Δ/L and by
setting θA, θB, and FEMAB and FEMBA due to external loading, equal
to zero, we obtain
6 EI
FEM AB  FEMBA  
L2

in which FEMAB and FEMBA denote the FEM due to the relative
translation Δ between the two ends of the beam. 26
University of Engineering & Technology, Taxila

Note that the magnitudes as well as the directions of the two FEM
are the same.

6 EI
Δ A B L2
Ψ

6 EI
L
L2
EI

It can be seen from the figure that when a relative displacement

causes a chord rotation in the CCW direction, then the two FEMs
act in the CW (-ve) direction to maintain zero slopes at the two
ends of the beam.

Conversely, if the chord rotation due to a relative displacement is

CW, then both FEM act in CCW (+ve) direction. 27
University of Engineering & Technology, Taxila

Moment-Distribution Method

• MDM Moment Distribution Method

• MD Table Moment Distribution Table
• COM Carryover Moment
• COF Carryover Factor
• DM Distributed Moment
• UM Unbalanced Moment
• DF Distribution Factor

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Basic Concept of the Moment Distribution Method

30 k
1.5 k/ft
EI = constant
A D E = 29,000 ksi
I = 500 in4
B C
20 ft 10 ft 10 ft 15 ft

Distribution Factors
The first step in the analysis is to calculate the distribution factors
at those joints of the structure that are free to rotate.

The distribution factor for an end of a member is equal to the

relative bending stiffness of the member divided by the sum of
relative bending stiffnesses of all the members connected to the
joint. K
DF  (26)
K 29
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Basic Concept of the Moment Distribution Method

30 k
1.5 k/ft
EI = constant
A D E = 29,000 ksi
I = 500 in4
B C
20 ft 10 ft 10 ft 15 ft

We can see that only joint B and C of the continuous beam are free
to rotate. The distribution factors at joint B are

K BA I 20
DFBA    0. 5
K BA  K BC 2 I 20
K BC I 20
DFBC    0.5
K BA  K BC 2 I 20

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Basic Concept of the Moment Distribution Method

30 k
1.5 k/ft
EI = constant
A D E = 29,000 ksi
I = 500 in4
B C
20 ft 10 ft 10 ft 15 ft

Similarly at joint C
K CB I 20
DFCB    0.429
K CB  K CD I 20  I 15
K CD I 15
DFCD    0.571
K CB  K CD I 20  I 15

Note that the sum of distribution factors at each joint must always
equal 1. The DF are recorded in boxes directly beneath the
corresponding member ends on top of the MD Table.
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University of Engineering & Technology, Taxila
30 k
1.5 k/ft
EI = constant
E = 29,000 ksi A D
I = 500 in4
B C
20 ft 10 ft 10 ft 15 ft

Distribution Factors 0.5 0.5 0.429 0.571

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University of Engineering & Technology, Taxila
30 k
1.5 k/ft
A D
50 50 B 75 75 C

Fixed End Moments

Next, by assuming that joints B and C are restrained against
rotation by imaginary clamps applied to them, we calculate the
FEM that develop at the ends of each member. (1. line MD Table)
1.520
2
FEM AB   50 k  ft or  50 k - ft
12
1.520
2
FEMBA   50 k  ft or - 50 k - ft
12
3020
FEMBC   75 k  ft or  75 k - ft
8
FEMCB  75 k  ft or - 75 k - ft
FEMCD  FEMDC  0 33
University of Engineering & Technology, Taxila
30 k
1.5 k/ft
EI = constant
E = 29,000 ksi A D
I = 500 in4
B C
20 ft 10 ft 10 ft 15 ft

Distribution Factors 0.5 0.5 0.429 0.571

1.Fixed-end Moments +50 -50 +75 -75

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University of Engineering & Technology, Taxila
30 k
1.5 k/ft
A D
50 50 B 75 75 C

Balancing Joint C
Since joints B and C are actually not clamped, we release them,
one at a time. Let us begin at joint C.

From fig. we can see that there is a -75 k-ft (clockwise) FEM at end
C of member BC, whereas no moment exists at end C of member
CD.

As long as joint C is restrained against rotation by the clamp, the

-75 k-ft unbalanced moment is absorbed by the clamp.
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University of Engineering & Technology, Taxila
30 k
1.5 k/ft
A D
50 50 B 75 75 C

When the imaginary clamp is removed to release the joint, the -75
k-ft unbalanced moment acts at the joint, causing it to rotate in the
CCW direction until it is in equilibrium.
C C
C
75 75

Unbalanced joint moment

75

A D

B C
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The rotation of joint C causes the distributed moments, DMCB and

DMCD, to develop at ends C of members BC and CD, which can be
evaluated by multiplying the negative of the unbalanced moment
(+75 k-ft) by distribution factors DFCB and DFCD, respectively.
DM CB  0.429 75  32.2 k  ft
DM CD  0.571 75  42.8 k  ft
Unbalanced joint moment

75
32.2
A D

B C 42.8

Distributed moments

These distributed moments are recorded in line 2 of the MD Table,

and a line is drawn beneath them to indicate that joint C is now
balanced. 37
University of Engineering & Technology, Taxila
30 k
1.5 k/ft
EI = constant
E = 29,000 ksi A D
I = 500 in4
B C
20 ft 10 ft 10 ft 15 ft

Distribution Factors 0.5 0.5 0.429 0.571

1.Fixed-end Moments +50 -50 +75 -75
2.Balance joint C and carryover +32.2 +42.8

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The DM at end C of member BC induces a COM at the far end B,

which can be determined by multiplying the DM by the COF of the
member.

Since joint B remains clamped, the COF of the member BC is ½

(Eq.13). Thus, COM at the end B of member BC is
COM BC  COFCB DM CB    32.2  16.1 k  ft
1
2

 COFCD DM CD    42.8  21.4 k  ft

1
COM DC
2

Unbalanced joint moment

Carryover moments
75
21.4
32.2
A D

B 16.1 C 42.8
Carryover moments 39
Distributed moments
University of Engineering & Technology, Taxila

These COM are recorded on the same line of the MD Table as the
DM, with a horizontal arrow from each DM to its COM.

The total member end moments at this point in this analysis are
depicted in Figure.
30 k
1.5 k/ft 21.4

A D
50 50 91.1 42.8 42.8

It can be seen that joint C is now in equilibrium, because it is

subjected to two equal, but opposite moments.

Joint B, however, is not in equilibrium, and it needs to be balanced.

Before we release joint B, an imaginary clamp is applied to joint C
in its rotated position. 40
University of Engineering & Technology, Taxila
30 k
1.5 k/ft
EI = constant
E = 29,000 ksi A D
I = 500 in4
B C
20 ft 10 ft 10 ft 15 ft

Distribution Factors 0.5 0.5 0.429 0.571

1.Fixed-end Moments +50 -50 +75 -75
2.Balance joint C and carryover +16.1 +32.2 +42.8 +24.1

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30 k
1.5 k/ft 21.4

A D
50 50 91.1 42.8 42.8

Balancing Joint B
Joint B is now released. The unbalanced moment at this joint is
obtained by summing all the moments acting at the ends B of
members AB and BC, which are rigidly connected to joint B.

From the MD Table (lines 1 & 2), we can see that there is a -50 k-ft
FEM at end B of member AB, whereas the end B of member BC is
subjected to a +75 k-ft FEM and a +16.1 k-ft COM. The unbalanced
moment at joint B is

UM B  50  75  16 .1  41.1 k  ft
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This UM causes joint B to rotate, as shown, and induces DM at

ends B of member AB and BC.
Unbalanced joint moment
41.1

A D

B C

The DM are evaluated by multiplying the negative of the UM by

the distribution factors:
DM BA  0.5 41.1  20.6 k  ft
DM BC  0.5 41.1  20.6 k  ft

These DM are recorded on line 3 of the MD Table and a line is

drawn beneath them to indicate that joint B is now balanced.

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University of Engineering & Technology, Taxila
30 k
1.5 k/ft
EI = constant
E = 29,000 ksi A D
I = 500 in4
B C
20 ft 10 ft 10 ft 15 ft

Distribution Factors 0.5 0.5 0.429 0.571

1.Fixed-end Moments +50 -50 +75 -75
2.Balance joint C and carryover +16.1 +32.2 +42.8 +24.1
3.Balance joint B and carryover -10.3 -20.6 -20.6 -10.3

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Unbalanced joint moment
41.1
10.3 20.6
A D

20.6 B 10.3 C

One-half of the DM are then carried over to the far ends A and C of
members AB and BC, respectively, as indicated by the horizontal
arrows on line 3 of Table.

Joint B is then reclamped in its rotated position.

A D

B C
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Balancing Joint C
With joint B now balanced, we can see from the MD Table (line 3)
that, due to the carryover effect, there is a -10.3 k-ft UM at joint C.

Recall that the moments above the horizontal line at joint C were
balanced previously. Thus we release joint C again and distribute
the UM to ends C of members BC and CD as
10.3
4.4
A D
B C 5.9

DM CB  0.429 10.3  4.4 k  ft

DM CD  0.571 10.3  5.9 k  ft

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The DM are recorded on line 4 of the MD Table, and one-half of

these moments are carried over to the ends B and D of members
BC and CD, respectively. Joint C is then reclamped.
10.3
4.4 2.9
A D

B 2.2 C 5.9

Balancing Joint B
The +2.2 k-ft UM at joint B (line 4) is balanced in a similar manner.

The DM and COM thus computed are shown on line 5 of the MD

Table (slide 49).

Joint B is then reclamped.

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University of Engineering & Technology, Taxila
30 k
1.5 k/ft
EI = constant
E = 29,000 ksi A D
I = 500 in4
B C
20 ft 10 ft 10 ft 15 ft

Distribution Factors 0.5 0.5 0.429 0.571

1.Fixed-end Moments +50 -50 +75 -75
2.Balance joint C and carryover +16.1 +32.2 +42.8 +24.1
3.Balance joint B and carryover -10.3 -20.6 -20.6 -10.3
4.Balance joint C and carryover +2.2 +4.4 +5.9 +2.9

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University of Engineering & Technology, Taxila
30 k
1.5 k/ft
EI = constant
E = 29,000 ksi A D
I = 500 in4
B C
20 ft 10 ft 10 ft 15 ft

Distribution Factors 0.5 0.5 0.429 0.571

1.Fixed-end Moments +50 -50 +75 -75
2.Balance joint C and carryover +16.1 +32.2 +42.8 +24.1
3.Balance joint B and carryover -10.3 -20.6 -20.6 -10.3
4.Balance joint C and carryover +2.2 +4.4 +5.9 +2.9
5.Balance joint B and carryover -0.6 -1.1 -1.1 -0.6

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University of Engineering & Technology, Taxila

It can be seen from line 5 of the MD Table that the UM at joint C

has now been reduced to only -0.6 k-ft.

Another balancing of joint C produces an even smaller unbalanced

moment of +0.2 k-ft at joint B, as shown on line 6 of the MD Table.

Since the DM induced by this unbalancing moment are negligibly

small, we end the moment distribution process.

The final member end moments are obtained by algebraically

summing the entries in each column of the MD Table.

The final Moments are recorded on line 8 of The MD Table.

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30 k
1.5 k/ft
EI = constant
E = 29,000 ksi A D
I = 500 in4
B C
20 ft 10 ft 10 ft 15 ft

Distribution Factors 0.5 0.5 0.429 0.571

1.Fixed-end Moments +50 -50 +75 -75
2.Balance joint C and carryover +16.1 +32.2 +42.8 +24.1
3.Balance joint B and carryover -10.3 -20.6 -20.6 -10.3
4.Balance joint C and carryover +2.2 +4.4 +5.9 +2.9
5.Balance joint B and carryover -0.6 -1.1 -1.1 -0.6
6.Balance joint C and carryover +0.2 +0.3 +0.3 +0.2
7.Balance joint B -0.1 -0.1

8.Final Moments +39.1 -71.8 +71.7 -49 +49 +24.5

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The final moments are shown on the free body diagrams of

members in Fig.

30 k
1.5 k/ft 49 24.5
71.8 49

A B B C C D
39.1 71.7

With the MEM known, member end shears and support reactions
can now be determined by considering the equilibrium of
members and joints.

SFD and BMD are same to those which are drawn in Slope
Deflection Method for the same beam.

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Practical Application of the MDM

The foregoing approach provides the clearer insight into the basic
concept of the MDM.

From a practical point of view, it is usually more convenient to use

an alternative approach in which all the joints of the structure that
are free to rotate are balanced simultaneously in the same step.

All the COMs that are induced at the far ends of the members are
then computed simultaneously in the following step.

The process of balancing of joints and COMs is repeated until the

UMs at the joints are negligibly small.

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Practical Application of the MDM

Consider again the three span continuous beam shown in figure.
30 k
1.5 k/ft
EI = constant
A D E = 29,000 ksi
I = 500 in4
B C
20 ft 10 ft 10 ft 15 ft

The MD Table used for carrying out the computations is shown in

the next slide.

The previously computed distribution factors and FEMs are

recorded on the top and the first line, respectively of the table.

54
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30 k
1.5 k/ft
EI = constant
E = 29,000 ksi A D
I = 500 in4
B C
20 ft 10 ft 10 ft 15 ft
Member Ends AB BA BC CB CD DC
Distribution Factors 0.5 0.5 0.429 0.571
1.Fixed-end Moments +50 -50 +75 -75

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The MD process is started by balancing joints B and C.

From line 1 of the MD Table we can see that the UM at joint B is

UM B  50  75  25 k  ft

The balancing of joint B induces DMs at ends B of members AB and

BC, which can be evaluated by multiplying the negative of the UM
by the distribution factor.

DM BA  0.5 25  12.5 k  ft

DM BC  0.5 25  12.5 k  ft

56
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30 k
1.5 k/ft
EI = constant
E = 29,000 ksi A D
I = 500 in4
B C
20 ft 10 ft 10 ft 15 ft
Member Ends AB BA BC CB CD DC
Distribution Factors 0.5 0.5 0.429 0.571
1.Fixed-end Moments +50 -50 +75 -75
2.Balance Joints -12.5 -12.5

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Joint C is then balanced in a similar manner.

From line 1 of the MD Table, we can see that the UM at joint C is

UM C  75 k  ft

The balancing of joint C induces the following DMs at ends C of

members BC and CD, respectively

DM CB  0.429 75  32.2 k  ft

DM CD  0.571 75  42.8 k  ft

The four DMs are recorded on line 2 on the MD Table, and a line is
drawn beneath them, across the entire width of the table, to
indicate that all the joints are now balanced.

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30 k
1.5 k/ft
EI = constant
E = 29,000 ksi A D
I = 500 in4
B C
20 ft 10 ft 10 ft 15 ft
Member Ends AB BA BC CB CD DC
Distribution Factors 0.5 0.5 0.429 0.571
1.Fixed-end Moments +50 -50 +75 -75
2.Balance Joints -12.5 -12.5 +32.2 +42.8

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In the next step of analysis, the COMs that develops at the far ends
of the members are computed by multiplying the distributed
moments by the COFs.

COM AB 
1
DM BA   1  12.5  6.3 k  ft
2 2

COM CB 
1
DM BC   1  12.5  6.3 k  ft
2 2

COM BC 
1
DM CB   1  32.2  16.1 k  ft
2 2

 DM CD    42.8  21.4 k  ft

1 1
COM DC
2 2

These COMs are recorded on the line 3 of the MD Table, with an

inclined arrow pointing from each DM to its COM in the next slide.

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30 k
1.5 k/ft
EI = constant
E = 29,000 ksi A D
I = 500 in4
B C
20 ft 10 ft 10 ft 15 ft
Member Ends AB BA BC CB CD DC
Distribution Factors 0.5 0.5 0.429 0.571
1.Fixed-end Moments +50 -50 +75 -75
2.Balance Joints -12.5 -12.5 +32.2 +42.8
3.Carryover -6.3 +16.1 -6.3 +21.4

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We can see from line 3 of MD Table that, due to the carryover

effects, there are now +16.1 k-ft and -6.3 k-ft unbalanced moments
at joints B and C, respectively.

Thus these joints are balanced again, and the DMs thus obtained
are recorded on the line 4 of the MD Table.

One-half of the DMs are then carried over to the far ends of the
members (line 5), and the process is continues until the UMs are
negligibly small.

The final MEMs, obtained by algebraically summing the entries in

each column of the MD Table, are recorded on line 11 of the table.

62
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30 k
1.5 k/ft
EI = constant
E = 29,000 ksi A D
I = 500 in4
B C
20 ft 10 ft 10 ft 15 ft
Member Ends AB BA BC CB CD DC
Distribution Factors 0.5 0.5 0.429 0.571
1.Fixed-end Moments +50 -50 +75 -75
2.Balance Joints -12.5 -12.5 +32.2 +42.8
3.Carryover -6.3 +16.1 -6.3 +21.4
4.Balance Joints -8.1 -8.1 +2.7 +3.6
5.Carryover -4.1 +1.4 -4.1 +1.8
6.Balance Joints -0.7 -0.7 +1.8 +2.3
7.Carryover -0.4 +0.9 -0.4 +1.2
8.Balance Joints -0.5 -0.5 +0.2 +0.2
9.Carryover -0.3 +0.1 -0.3 +0.1
10.Balance Joints -0.05 -0.05 +0.1 +0.2

11.Final Moments +38.9 -71.8 +71.7 -49.1 +49.1 +24.5

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Flow Chart for MDM

K
Calculate Distribution Factors, DF 
K
Calculate Fixed End Moments

Balance the Moments at All Joints Free to Rotate

Evaluate UMs and then Find DMs

Find Carryover Moments

Repeat the Above Two Steps Until the UMs are Negligibly Small

Determine the Final End Moments

Compute Member End Shears, Determine Support Reactions, and draw SFD & BMD
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Example 1

• Determine the reactions and draw the shear and bending moment
diagrams for the two-span continuous beam shown in Figure.

18 k
2 k/ft
A B C

10 ft 15 ft 30 ft

EI = constant

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Solution
1.Distribution Factors
Only joint B is free to rotate. The DFs at this joint are
18 k
2 k/ft
A B C

10 ft 15 ft 30 ft

K BA I 25
DFBA    0.545
K BA  K BC I 25  I 30
K BC I 30
DFBC    0.455
K BA  K BC I 25  I 30

DFBA  DFBC  0.545  0.455  1 Checks

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18 k
2 k/ft

EI = constant A B C

0.545 0.455
Distribution Factors

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2.Fixed-End Moments (FEMs)

Assuming that joint B is clamped against rotation, we calculate the
FEMs due to the external loads by using the FEM expressions
18 k
2 k/ft
A C
64.8 43.2 B 150 150
10 ft 15 ft 30 ft

181015
2
FEM AB   64.8 k  ft or  64.8 k - ft
252

1810 15
2
FEMBA   43.2 k  ft or  43.2 k - ft
252

230
2
FEMBC   150 k  ft or  150 k - ft
12
230
2
FEMCB   150 k  ft or  150 k - ft 68
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18 k
2 k/ft

EI = constant A B C

AB BA BC CB
0.545 0.455
Distribution Factors
1.Fixed-end Moments +64.8 -43.2 +150 -150

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3.Moment Distribution
Since Joint B is actually not clamped, we release the joint and
determine the unbalanced moment (UM) acting on it by summing
the moments at ends B of members AB and BC
18 k
2 k/ft
A C
64.8 43.2 B 150 150

UM B  43 .2  150  106 .8 k  ft

The DMs due to these UMs at end B of member AB and BC are

determined by multiplying the negative of the UM by the DF

DM BA  DFBA  UM B   0.545 106.8  58.2 k  ft

DM BC  DFBC  UM B   0.455 106.8  48.6 k  ft
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18 k
2 k/ft

EI = constant A B C

AB BA BC CB
0.545 0.455
Distribution Factors
1.Fixed-end Moments +64.8 -43.2 +150 -150

2.Balance Joint B -58.2 -48.6

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3.Moment Distribution
The COMs at the far ends A and C of members AB and BC,
respectively, are then computed as

COM AB 
1
DM BA   1  58 .2  29 .1 k  ft
2 2

COM CB 
1
DM BC   1  48 .6  24 .3 k  ft
2 2

Joint B is the only joint of the structure that is free to rotate, and
because it has been balanced, we end the moment distribution
process.

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18 k
2 k/ft

EI = constant A B C

AB BA BC CB
0.545 0.455
Distribution Factors
1.Fixed-end Moments +64.8 -43.2 +150 -150

2.Balance Joint B -58.2 -48.6

3.Carryover -29.1 -24.3

4.Final Moments +35.7 -101.4 +101.4 -174.3

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Member End Shears, Support Reactions, SFD & BMD

See Example 1 in Slope-Deflection Method

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Example 2

• Determine the reactions and draw the shear and bending moment
diagrams for the two-span continuous beam shown in Figure.

80 kN 40 kN

A B C
1.5 I I
5m 5m 5m 5m

E = constant

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Solution
1. Distribution Factors
Joints B and C of the continuous beam are free to rotate. The DFs
at joint B are
80 kN 40 kN

A B C

5m 5m 5m 5m

K BA 1.5 I 10
DFBA    0. 6
K BA  K BC 1.5 I 10  I 10
K BC I 10
DFBC    0. 4
K BA  K BC 1.5 I 10  I 10

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Similarly, at joint C,

80 kN 40 kN

A B C

5m 5m 5m 5m

K CB 0.1I
DFCB   1
K CB 0.1I

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2. Fixed-End Moments
80 kN 40 kN

A B C

5m 5m 5m 5m

 8010
FEM AB   100 kN.m
8
FEMBA  100 kN.m
 4010
FEM AB   50 kN.m
8
FEMBA  50 kN.m

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80 kN 40 kN
MD TABLE

A B C
E = constant

AB BA BC CB
0.6 0.4 1.0
Distribution Factors
1.Fixed-end Moments +100 -100 +50 -50

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3. Moment Distribution
After recording the DFs and the FEMs in the MD Table, we begin
the MD process by balancing joints B and C.

The UM at joint B is equal to -100+50=-50 kN.m. Thus DMs at the

ends B of members AB and BC are

DM BA  DFBA  UM B   0.6 50  30 kN.m

DM BC  DFBC  UM B   0.4 50  20 kN.m

Similarly, the UM at joint C is -50 kN.m, we determine the DM at

end C of member BC to be

DM CB  DFCB  UM C   1 50   50 kN.m

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80 kN 40 kN
MD TABLE

A B C
E = constant

AB BA BC CB
0.6 0.4 1.0
Distribution Factors
1.Fixed-end Moments +100 -100 +50 -50
2.Balance Joints B and C +30 +20 +50

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3. Moment Distribution
One-half of these DMs are then carried over to the far ends of the
members.

This process is repeated, until the UMs are negligibly small.

4. Final Moments
The final MEMs, obtained by summing the moments in each
column of the MD Table, are recorded on the last line of the table.

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80 kN 40 kN
MD TABLE

A B C
E = constant

AB BA BC CB
0.6 0.4 1.0
Distribution Factors
1.Fixed-end Moments +100 -100 +50 -50
2.Balance Joints B and C +30 +20 +50
3.Carryover +15 +25 +10
4.Balance Joints B and C -15 -10 -10
5.Carryover -7.5 -5 -5
6.Balance Joints B and C +3 +2 +5
7.Carryover +1.5 +2.5 +1
8.Balance Joints B and C -1.5 -1 -1
9.Carryover -0.8 -0.5 -0.5
10.Balance Joints B and C +0.3 +0.2 +0.5
+0.2 +0.3 +0.1
11.Carryover
12.Balance Joints B and C -0.2 -0.1 -0.1

13. Final Moments +108.4 -83.4 +83.4 0 83

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Alternative Method
Because the end support C of the continuous beam is a simple
support, the analysis can be simplified by using the reduced
relative bending stiffness for member BC, which is adjacent to the
simple support C:
3 I 
K BC   
4  10 

Note that the relative bending stiffness of member AB remains the

same as before. The DFs at joint B are now given by
K BA 1.5 I 10 2
DFBA   
K BA  K BC 1.5 I 10  3I 40 3
K BC 3I 40 1
DFBC   
K BA  K BC 1.5 I 10  3 I 40 3

K CB
DFCB  1
K CB 84
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Alternative Method
Since we are using the reduced relative bending stiffness for
member BC, joint C needs to be balanced only once in the MD
process.

Joints B and C are balanced and the DMs are computed in the
usual manner.

However, on the third line of table no moment is carried over to

the end C of member BC.

Joint B is balanced once more, and the moment is carried over to

the end A of member AB. (lines 4 and 5)

Joints B and C are now balanced, we end the process here. 85

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80 kN 40 kN
MD TABLE

A B C
E = constant

AB BA BC CB
2/3 1/3 1
Distribution Factors
1.Fixed-end Moments +100 -100 +50 -50
2.Balance Joints B and C +33.3 +16.7 +50
3.Carryover +16.7 +25
4.Balance Joints B -16.7 -8.3
5.Carryover -8.3

6. Final Moments +108.4 -83.4 +83.4 0

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80 kN 40 kN
37.5 28.34

A B 83.4 83.4 B C
108.4 83.4 83.4
42.5 37.5 28.34 11.66
By = 65.84

80 kN 40 kN

A B C

108.4 kN.m
65.84 kN 11.66 kN
42.5 kN
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80 kN 40 kN

A B C

108.4 kN.m
65.84 kN 11.66 kN
42.5 kN

42.5
28.34

A D B C
E
-11.66

-37.5

Shear Force Diagram (kN) 88

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80 kN 40 kN

A B C

108.4 kN.m
65.84 kN 11.66 kN
42.5 kN

104.1
58.3

A D B 0
E C

-83.4
-108.4

Bending Moment Diagram (kN . m) 89

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Example 3

• Determine the member end moments and reactions for the three-
span continuous beam shown, due to the uniformly distributed
load and due to the support settlements of 5/8 in. at B, and 1.5 in.
at C, and ¾ in. at D.

2 k/ft
A D
B C

20 ft 20 ft 20 ft

E = 29,000 ksi
I = 7,800 in.4

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Solution
1. Distribution Factors
2 k/ft
A D
B C

20 ft 20 ft 20 ft

At Joint A
DF AB  1
At Joint B
3I 80
DFBA   0.429
3I 80  I 20
I 20
DFBC   0.571
3I 80  I 20 91
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Solution
1. Distribution Factors
2 k/ft
A D
B C

20 ft 20 ft 20 ft

At Joint C
I 20
DFCB   0.571
3I 80  I 20
3I 80
DFCD   0.429
3I 80  I 20
At Joint D
DFDC  1
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2. Fixed-End Moments

2 k/ft
A D
B C

20 ft 20 ft 20 ft

A 3
5 1 in.
in. 1 in. 4
8 2

B D
C
 AB  85 in.
 BC  1 12  85  78 in.
Δ CD = 1 12 3
4 = 34 in.
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2. Fixed-End Moments

A 3
5 1 in.
in. 1 in. 4
8 2

B D
C

5
629,0007,800 
6 EI  8   1,227.2 k - ft
FEM AB  FEMBA   2  
L 202 123
7
629,0007,800 
6EI  8   1,718.1 k - ft
FEMBC  FEMCB  2 
L 202 123
3
629,0007,800 
6 EI  4   1,472.7 k - ft
FEMCD  FEMDC  2 
L 202 123
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2. Fixed-End Moments
2 k/ft
A D
B C

20 ft 20 ft 20 ft

The FEMs due to the 2 k/ft external load are

220
2
FEM AB  FEMBC  FEMCD   66.7 k - ft
12
220
2
FEMBA  FEMCB  FEMDC   66.7 k - ft
12

Thus the FEMs due to the combined effect of the external load and
the support settlements are
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2. Fixed-End Moments
2 k/ft
A D
B C

20 ft 20 ft 20 ft

FEM AB  1,293.9 k - ft FEMBA  1,160.5 k - ft

FEMBC  1,784.8 k - ft FEMCB  1,651.4 k - ft
FEMCD  1,406 k - ft FEMDC  1,539.4 k - ft

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3. Moment Distribution
The MD is carried out in the usual manner, as shown in the MD
Table.

Note that the joints A and D at the simple end supports are
balanced only once and that no moments are carried over to these
joints.

4. Final Moments
See the MD Table and Figure on next slides.

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2 k/ft
A D
B C
Member Ends AB BA BC CB CD DC
Distribution Factors 1 0.429 0.571 0.571 0.429 1
1.Fixed-end Moments +1293.9 +1160.5 +1784.8 +1651.4 -1406 -1539.4
2.Balance Joints -1293.9 -1263.5 -1681.8 -140.1 -105.3 +1539.4
3.Carryover -647 -70.1 -840.9 +769.7
4.Balance Joints +307.6 +409.5 +40.7 +30.5
5.Carryover +20.4 +204.8
6.Balance Joints -8.8 -11.6 -116.9 -87.9
7.Carryover -58.5 -5.8
8.Balance Joints +25.1 +33.4 +3.3 +2.5
9.Carryover +1.7 +16.7
10.Balance Joints -0.7 -1.0 -9.5 -7.2
11.Carryover -4.8 -0.5
12.Balance Joints +2.1 +2.7 +0.3 +0.2
13.Carryover +0.2 +1.4
14.Balance Joints -0.1 -0.1 -0.8 -0.6
15.Carryover -0.4
16.Balance Joints +0.2 +0.2
98
17.Final Moments 0 -426.6 +426.6 +804.1 -804.1 0
University of Engineering & Technology, Taxila

2 k/ft
A D
B C

2 k/ft 2 k/ft 804.1 2 k/ft

A B B C C D
424.6

99