Theory of structures 1

9.0 Displacement Method of Analysis: Moment Distribution

9.1 General Principles and Definitions

9.2 Moment Distribution for Beams
9.3 Stiffness-Factor Modifications
9.4 Moment Distribution for Frames: No Sidesway
9.5 Moment Distribution for Frames: Sidesway

9.1 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.
4𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 2𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸
 Carry-over (CO) factor: 𝑀𝑀𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 = � � 𝜃𝜃𝐴𝐴 ; 𝑀𝑀𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵 = � � 𝜃𝜃𝐴𝐴
𝐿𝐿 𝐿𝐿

Solving for θA and equating these equation, 𝑀𝑀𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵 = 0.5𝑀𝑀𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴

 The moment M at the pin induces a moment of 𝑀𝑀′ = 0.5𝑀𝑀 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.
4𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸
 Member stiffness factor, 𝐾𝐾 =
𝐿𝐿

 Joint stiffness factor

Total stiffness factor of joint A, 𝐾𝐾𝑇𝑇 = ∑ 𝐾𝐾 = 4000 + 5000 + 1000 = 10000

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 Distribution Factor (DF): That fraction of the total resisting moment supplied by
the member is called the distribution factor (DF).
𝑀𝑀𝑖𝑖 𝐾𝐾𝑖𝑖 𝜃𝜃 𝐾𝐾
𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝑖𝑖 = = ; 𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷 = ∑
𝑀𝑀 𝜃𝜃 ∑ 𝐾𝐾𝑖𝑖 𝐾𝐾

 Member relative stiffness factor: Quite often a continuous beam or a frame will be
𝐼𝐼
made from the same material and E will therefore be constant. 𝐾𝐾𝑅𝑅 =
𝐿𝐿

9.2 Moment Distribution for Beams

Carry-over (CO) factor: consider the beam with constant E

4𝐸𝐸(120 × 106 )
𝐾𝐾𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵 = = 4𝐸𝐸(40 × 106 ) mm4 ⁄m
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4𝐸𝐸(240 × 106 )
𝐾𝐾𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵 = = 4𝐸𝐸(60 × 106 ) mm4 ⁄m
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4𝐸𝐸(40) 4𝐸𝐸(60)
𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵 = = 0.4; 𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵 = = 0.6
4𝐸𝐸(40)+4𝐸𝐸(60) 4𝐸𝐸(40)+4𝐸𝐸(60)

4𝐸𝐸(40) 4𝐸𝐸(60)
𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 = = 0; 𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶 = =0
∞+4𝐸𝐸(40) ∞+4𝐸𝐸(60)

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

Joint B held fixed

𝑤𝑤𝐿𝐿2 𝑤𝑤𝐿𝐿2
𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵 = − = −8000Nm; 𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶 = = 8000Nm
12 12

 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.
 To correct this, we will apply an equal but opposite moment of 8000 Nm to the
joint and allow the joint to rotate freely

Correction moment applied to joint B

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 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, 0.4(8000) = 3200Nm
Moment in BC, 0.6(8000) = 4800Nm
 These moment must be carried over since moments are developed at the far ends
of the span.

Moment distributed at B
 The steps are usually presented in tabular form.
 Distance, CO indicates a line where moments are distributed then carried over.
 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
Joint A B C
Member AB BA BC CB
DF 0 0.4 0.6 0
FEM -8000 8000
Dist, CO 1600 3200 4800 2400
ΣM 1600 3200 -3200 10400

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

Solution:
The moment does not get distributed in the overhanging span AB, so the distribution
factor 𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵 = 0.
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Span BC is based on 4𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸�𝐿𝐿 since the pin rocker is not at the far end of the beam.

4𝐸𝐸�300×106 � 4𝐸𝐸�240×106 �
𝐾𝐾𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵 = = 300 × 106 𝐸𝐸; 𝐾𝐾𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶 = = 320 × 106 𝐸𝐸
4 3

 The overhanging span requires the internal moment to the left of B to be +4000 Nm.
 Balancing at joint B requires an internal moment of –4000 Nm to the right of B.
 -2000 Nm is added to BC in order to satisfy this condition.
 The distribution & CO operations proceed in the usual manner.
 Since the internal moments are known, the moment diagram for the beam can be
constructed.
Joint B C D
Member BC CB CD DC
DF 0 1 0.484 0.516 0
FEM 4000 -2000 2000
Dist. -2000 -968 -1032
CO -484 -1000 -516
Dist. 484 484 516
CO 242 242 258
Dist. -242 -117.1 -124.9
CO -58.6 -121 -62.4
Dist. 58.6 58.6 62.4
CO 29.3 29.3 31.2
Dist. -29.3 -14.2 -15.1
CO -7.1 -14.6 -7.6
Dist. 7.1 7.1 7.6
CO 3.5 3.5 3.8
Dist. -3.5 -1.7 -1.8
CO -0.8 -1.8 -0.9
Dist. 0.8 0.9 0.9
CO 0.4 0.4 0.4
Dist. -0.4 -0.2 -0.2
CO -0.1 -0.2 -0.1
Dist. 0.1 0.1 0.1
ΣM 4000 -4000 587.1 -587.1 -293.6

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9.3 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.

 Member pin supported at far end

 As shown, the applied moment M rotates end A by θ.
 To determine θ, the shear in the conjugate beam at A’ must be determined.

Real beam Conjugate beam

1 𝑀𝑀 2
∑ 𝑀𝑀𝐵𝐵′ = 0; 𝑉𝑉𝐴𝐴′ (𝐿𝐿) − � � 𝐿𝐿 � 𝐿𝐿� = 0
2 𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 3

𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀 3𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸
𝑉𝑉𝐴𝐴′ = 𝜃𝜃 = ; 𝑀𝑀 = 𝜃𝜃
3𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 𝐿𝐿

3𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸
 The stiffness factor in the beam is 𝐾𝐾 = .
𝐿𝐿

 The CO factor is zero, since the pin at B does not support a moment.
 By comparison, if 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.

 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.

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Real beam Conjugate beam
𝑀𝑀 𝐿𝐿
∑ 𝑀𝑀𝐶𝐶 ′ = 0; −𝑉𝑉𝐵𝐵′ (𝐿𝐿) + � � 𝐿𝐿 � � = 0
𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 2

𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀 2𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 2𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸

𝑉𝑉𝐵𝐵′ = 𝜃𝜃 = ; 𝑀𝑀 = 𝜃𝜃; 𝐾𝐾 = 𝜃𝜃
2𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 𝐿𝐿 𝐿𝐿

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

 Symmetric beam with asymmetric loading

 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.

Real beam Conjugate beam

 Assuming this value to be M, the slope θ at each end is determined as follows:
1 𝑀𝑀 𝐿𝐿 5𝐿𝐿 1 𝑀𝑀 𝐿𝐿 𝐿𝐿
∑ 𝑀𝑀𝑐𝑐 ′ = 0; −𝑉𝑉𝐵𝐵′ (𝐿𝐿) + � � � � � � � � − � � � � � � = 0
2 𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 2 6 2 𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 2 6

𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀 6𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 6𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸

𝑉𝑉𝐵𝐵′ = 𝜃𝜃 = ; 𝑀𝑀 = 𝜃𝜃; 𝐾𝐾 =
6𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 𝐿𝐿 𝐿𝐿

Example:
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.

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Solution:
The beam is roller supported at its far end C.

The stiffness of span BC will be computed on the basis of 𝐾𝐾 = 3𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸�𝐿𝐿.

4𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 4𝐸𝐸�120×106 � 3𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 3𝐸𝐸�240×106 �

𝐾𝐾𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 = = = 160 × 106 𝐸𝐸; 𝐾𝐾𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵 = = = 180 × 106 𝐸𝐸
𝐿𝐿 3 𝐿𝐿 4

160𝐸𝐸 160𝐸𝐸
𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 = = 0; 𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵 = = 0.4706
∞+160𝐸𝐸 160𝐸𝐸+180𝐸𝐸

180𝐸𝐸 180𝐸𝐸
𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵 = = 0.5294; 𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶 = =1
160𝐸𝐸+180𝐸𝐸 180𝐸𝐸

𝑤𝑤𝐿𝐿2 6000(4)2
FEM𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵 = − =− = −12000Nm
8 8

Joint A B C
Member AB BA BC CB
DF 0 0.4706 0.5294 1
FEM -12000
Dist. 5647.2 6352.8
CO 2823.6
ΣM 2823.6 5647.2 -5647.2 0

9.4 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.

Example:
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.

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

The stiffness factors of CD and CE can be computed using 𝐾𝐾 = 3𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸�𝐿𝐿 since far ends

are pinned.
The 60-kN load does not contribute a FEM since it is applied at joint B.
4𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 4𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 3𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 3𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸
𝐾𝐾𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 = ; 𝐾𝐾𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵 = ; 𝐾𝐾𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶 = ; 𝐾𝐾𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶 =
5 6 5 4

4𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸�
5
𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 = 0; 𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵 = 4𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 = 0.545; 𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵 = 1 − 0.545 = 0.455
�5+4𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸�6

Joint A B C D E
Member AB BA BC CB CD CE DC EC
DF 0 0.545 0.455 0.330 0.298 0.372 1 1
FEM -135 135
Dist. 73.6 61.4 -44.6 -40.2 -50.2
CO 36.8 -22.3 30.7
Dist. 12.2 10.1 -10.1 -9.1 -11.5
CO 6.1 -5.1 5.1
Dist. 2.8 2.3 -1.7 -1.5 -1.9
CO 1.4 -0.8 1.2
Dist. 0.4 0.4 -0.4 -0.4 -0.4
CO 0.2 -0.2 0.2
Dist. 0.1 0.1 -0.1 0.0 -0.1
ΣM 44.5 89.1 -89.1 115 -51.2 -64.1

9.5 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.
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 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.

= +
artificial joint applied artificial joint removed
(no sideway) (sideway)

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

Solution:
Consider the frame held from sideway.

16(4)2 (1) 16(1)2 (4)

𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵 = − = −10.24kNm; 𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶 = − = −2.56kNm
52 52

The stiffness factor of each span is computed on the basis of 4𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸�𝐿𝐿 or using relative

stiffness factor 𝐼𝐼�𝐿𝐿

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The equation of equilibrium 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 ∑ 𝐹𝐹𝑥𝑥 = 0; 𝑅𝑅 = 1.73kN − 0.81kN = 0.92kN

Joint A B C D
Member AB BA BC CB CD DC
DF 0 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0
FEM -10.24 2.56
Dist. 5.12 5.12 -1.28 -1.28
CO 2.56 -0.64 2.56 -0.64
Dist. 0.32 0.32 -1.28 -1.28
CO 0.16 -0.64 0.16 -0.64
Dist. 0.32 0.32 -0.08 -0.08
CO 0.16 -0.04 0.16 -0.04
Dist. 0.02 0.02 -0.08 -0.08
ΣM 2.88 5.78 -5.78 2.72 -2.72 -1.32
An equal but opposite value of 𝑅𝑅 = 0.92kN 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.
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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
𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 = 𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵 = 𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶 = 𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷 = −100kNm
Joint A B C D
Member AB BA BC CB CD DC
DF 0 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0
FEM -100 -100 -100 -100
Dist. 50 50 50 50
CO 25 25 25 25
Dist. -12.5 -12.5 -12.5 -12.5
CO -6.25 -6.25 -6.25 -6.25
Dist. 3.125 3.125 3.125 3.125
CO 1.56 1.56 1.56 1.56
Dist. -0.78 -0.78 -0.78 -0.78
CO -0.39 -0.39 -0.39 -0.39
Dist. 0.195 0.195 0.195 0.195
ΣM -80 -60 60 60 -60 -80
From the equilibrium, the horizontal reactions at A and D are calculated.
For the entire frame, ∑ 𝐹𝐹𝑥𝑥 = 0; 𝑅𝑅′ = 28 + 28 = 56kN

Corresponding moments caused by R = 0.92 kN can be determined by proportion.

0.92
𝑀𝑀𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 = 2.88 + (−80) = 1.57kNm
56.0
𝑀𝑀𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵 = 4.79kNm; 𝑀𝑀𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵 = −4.79kNm; 𝑀𝑀𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶 = 3.71kNm
𝑀𝑀𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶 = −3.71kNm; 𝑀𝑀𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷 = −2.63kNm

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