CHAPTER SIX

6.0 MOMENT DISTRIBUTION METHOD

Moment distribution method is a displacement method of analysis which is easy to apply once
certain elastic constants have been determined. Moment distribution is a method of successive
approximations which may be carried out to any desired degree of accuracy. Essentially, the
method begins by assuming each joint of a structure is fixed, then by unlocking and locking
each joint in succession, the internal moments at the joints are “distributed” and balanced until
the joints have rotated to their final or nearly final positions. It will be found that this method
is both repetitive and easy to apply.

The method of analyzing beams and frames using moment distribution was developed by
Hardy Cross, a professor of civil engineering at the University of Illinois in the United States
of America, and was published in the year 1932.

6.1 GENERAL PRINCIPLES AND DEFINATIONS

Sign Convention. Clockwise moments that act on any member are considered positive,
whereas anti-clockwise moments are negative, Fig. 6.1.

Fig. 6.1: Beam loaded arbitrarily

Fixed-End Moments (FEM). The moments at the “walls” or fixed joints of a loaded member
are called fixed-end moments. These moments can be determined from Table 6.1.

Fixed-End Moments (FEMs): The moments at the “walls” or fixed joints of a loaded member
are called fixed-end moments. These moments can be determined from Table 6.1, depending
upon the type of loading on the member. For example, the beam loaded as shown in Fig. 6.2
has fixed-end moments of FEM = PL/8 = 800(10)/8 = 1000 N.m. Noting the action of these
moments on the beam and applying our sign convention, it is seen that MAB = -1000 N.m and
MBA = +1000 N.m.

Fig. 6.2: Beam with Fixed-End Moments

1
Table 6.1: Fixed End Moments for Beams

Member Stiffness Factor: Consider the beam in Fig. 6.3, which is pinned at one end and fixed
at the other. Application of the moment M causes the end A to rotate through an angle θA.
Applied moment M can be related to θA using the conjugate-beam method. This resulted in Eq.
6.1, that is, M = (4EI/L) θA. The term in parentheses:

2
 4𝐸𝐼
𝐾= (𝐹𝑎𝑟 𝐸𝑛𝑑 𝐹𝑖𝑥𝑒𝑑) 𝐸𝑞. 6.1
𝐿
is referred to as the stiffness factor at A and can be defined as the amount of moment M required
to rotate the end A of the beam θA = 1 rad.

Fig. 6.3: Beam rotated at pinned end

Joint Stiffness Factor: If several members are fixed connected to a joint and each of their far
ends is fixed, then by the principle of superposition, the total stiffness factor at the joint is the
sum of the member stiffness factors at the joint, that is, KT = ∑K. For example, consider the
frame joint A in Fig. 6.4a. The numerical value of each member stiffness factor is determined
from Eq. 6.1 and listed in the figure. Using these values, the total stiffness factor of joint A is
KT = ∑K = 4000 + 5000 + 1000 = 10 000. This value represents the amount of moment needed
to rotate the joint through an angle of 1 rad.

Figure 6.4: T-Frames

Distribution Factor (DF): If a moment M is applied to a fixed connected joint, the connecting
members will each supply a portion of the resisting moment necessary to satisfy moment
equilibrium at the joint. That fraction of the total resisting moment supplied by the member is
called the distribution factor (DF). To obtain its value, imagine the joint is fixed connected to
n members. If an applied moment M causes the joint to rotate an amount θ, then each member
i rotates by this same amount. If the stiffness factor of the ith member is Ki, then the moment
contributed by the member is Mi = Kiθ. Since equilibrium requires M = M1 + M2 + … + Mn =
K1θ + K2θ + … + Kn θ = θ∑Ki then the distribution factor for the ith member is:
𝑀𝑖 𝐾𝑖 𝜃
𝐷𝐹𝑖 = =
𝑀 𝜃Σ𝐾𝑖

3
Cancelling the common term θ, it is seen that the distribution factor for a member is equal to
the stiffness factor of the member divided by the total stiffness factor for the joint; that is, in
general:

𝐾
𝐷𝐹 = 𝐸𝑞. 6.2
Σ𝐾

For example, the distribution factors for members AB, AC, and AD at joint A in Fig. 6.4a are:
DFAB = 4000/10 000 = 0.4
DFAC = 5000/10 000 = 0.5
DFAD = 1000/10 000 = 0.1
As a result, if M = 2000 N.m acts at joint A, Fig. 1.4b, the equilibrium moments exerted by the
members on the joint, Fig. 6.4c, are:
MAB = 0.4(2000) = 800 N.m
MAC = 0.5(2000) = 1000 N.m
MAD = 0.1(2000) = 200 N.m

Member Relative-Stiffness Factor: Quite often a continuous beam or a frame will be made
from the same material so its modulus of elasticity E will be the same for all the members. If
this is the case, the common factor 4E in Eq. 6.1 will cancel from the numerator and
denominator of Eq. 6.2 when the distribution factor for a joint is determined. Hence, it is easier
just to determine the member’s relative-stiffness factor:
𝐼
𝐾𝑅 = (𝐹𝑎𝑟 𝐸𝑛𝑑 𝐹𝑖𝑥𝑒𝑑) 𝐸𝑞. 6.3
𝐿
and use this for the computations of the DF.

Carry-Over Factor: Consider again the beam in Fig. 6.3. It can be shown that MAB = (4EI/L)
θA and MBA = (2EI/L) θA. Solving for θA and equating these equations we get MBA = MAB/2. In
other words, the moment M at the pin induces a moment of M1 = 1/2 M at the wall. The carry-
over factor represents the fraction of M that is “carried over” from the pin to the wall. Hence,
in the case of a beam with the far end fixed, the carry-over factor is +1/2. The plus sign indicates
both moments act in the same direction.

4
6.2 MOMENT DISTRIBUTION FOR BEAMS

Moment distribution is based on the principle of successively locking and unlocking the joints
of a structure in order to allow the moments at the joints to be distributed and balanced. The
best way to explain the method is by examples.

Demonstrative Example 1
Consider the beam with a constant modulus of elasticity E with joints A and C fixed, and having
the dimensions and loading shown in Fig. 6.5a. Before we begin, we must first determine the
distribution factors at the two ends of each span. Using Eq. 6.1, K = 4EI/L, the stiffness factors
on either side of B are:

Figure 6.5a

4𝐸(300) 4𝐸(600)
𝐾𝐵𝐴 = = 4𝐸(20) 𝑖𝑛4 ⁄𝑓𝑡 ; 𝐾𝐵𝐶 = = 4𝐸(30) 𝑖𝑛4 ⁄𝑓𝑡
15 20

Thus, using Eq. 6.2, DF = K/∑K, for the ends connected to joint B, we have:
4𝐸(20) 4𝐸(30)
𝐷𝐹𝐵𝐴 = = 0.4; 𝐷𝐹𝐵𝐶 = = 0.6
4𝐸(20) + 4𝐸(30) 4𝐸(20) + 4𝐸(30)
At the walls, joint A and joint C, the distribution factor depends on the member stiffness factor
and the “stiffness factor” of the wall. Since in theory it would take an “infinite” size moment
to rotate the wall one radian, the wall stiffness factor is infinite. Thus for joints A and C we
have:
4𝐸(20) 4𝐸(30)
𝐷𝐹𝐴𝐵 = = 0; 𝐷𝐹𝐶𝐵 = =0
∞ + 4𝐸(20) ∞ + 4𝐸(30)

Note that the above results could also have been obtained if the relative stiffness factor KR =
I/L (Eq. 6.3) had been used for the calculations. Furthermore, as long as a consistent set of units
is used for the stiffness factor, the DF will always be dimensionless, and at a joint, except where
it is located at a fixed wall, the sum of the DFs will always equal 1.

5
Having computed the DFs, we will now determine the FEMs. Only span BC is loaded, and
using Table 6.1 for a uniform load, we have:
𝑤𝐿2 240(20)2
(𝐹𝐸𝑀)𝐵𝐶 = − =− = −8000 𝐼𝑏. 𝑓𝑡
12 12
𝑤𝐿2 240(20)2
(𝐹𝐸𝑀)𝐶𝐵 = = = 8000 𝐼𝑏. 𝑓𝑡
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 as shown in Fig. 6.5b. This, of course, does not represent
the actual equilibrium situation at B, 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 lb.ft to the
joint and allow the joint to rotate freely, Fig. 6.5c. As a result, portions of this moment are
distributed in spans BC and BA in accordance with the DFs (or stiffness) of these spans at the
joint. Specifically, the moment in BA is 0.4(8000) = 3200 lb.ft and the moment in BC is
0.6(8000) = 4800 lb.ft. Finally, due to the released rotation that takes place at B, these moments
must be “carried over” since moments are developed at the far ends of the span. Using the
carry-over factor of +1/2, the results are shown in Fig. 6.5d.

Fig. 6.5 b, c:
This example indicates the basic steps necessary when distributing moments at a joint:
Determine the unbalanced moment acting at the initially “locked” joint, unlock the joint and
apply an equal but opposite unbalanced moment to correct the equilibrium, distribute the
moment among the connecting spans, and carry the moment in each span over to its other end.
The steps are usually presented in tabular form as indicated in Table 2. Here the notation Dist,
CO indicates a line where moments are distributed, then carried over. In this particular case
only one cycle of moment distribution is necessary, since the wall supports at A and C “absorb”
the moments and no further joints have to be balanced or unlocked to satisfy joint equilibrium.
Once distributed in this manner, the moments at each joint are summed, yielding the final
results shown on the bottom line of the table in Table 2. Notice that joint B is now in
equilibrium. Since MBC is negative, this moment is applied to span BC in a counter-clockwise
sense as shown on free-body diagrams of the beam spans in Fig. 6.5e. With the end moments

6
known, the end shears have been computed from the equations of equilibrium applied to each
of these spans.

Fig. 6.5d, e
Table 2:

Consider span AB (Fig. 6.5d)

∑ 𝑀𝐵 = 0

𝑉𝐴 𝑥 15 − 1600 − 3200 = 0 → 𝑉𝐴 = 320 𝐼𝑏

∑ 𝑀𝐴 = 0

𝑉𝐵𝑅 𝑥 15 − 3200 − 1600 = 0 → 𝑉𝐵𝑅 = 320 𝐼𝑏

Shear force and bending moment diagrams for span AB are shown in Fig. 6.5f.
Consider span BC (Fig. 6.5e)

∑ 𝑀𝐶 = 0

𝑉𝐵𝐿 𝑥 20 − 3200 − 240 𝑥 20 𝑥 10 + 10,400 = 0 → 𝑉𝐵𝐿 = 2,040 𝐼𝑏

∑ 𝑀𝐵 = 0

𝑉𝐶 𝑥 20 − 10,400 − 240 𝑥 20 𝑥 10 + 3,200 = 0 → 𝑉𝐶 = 2,760 𝐼𝑏

7
Determination of Point of Maximum Moment
𝑉𝐵𝐿 − 240𝑥 = 0; 2,040 − 240𝑥 = 0 → 𝑥 = 8.5 𝑓𝑡, 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑠𝑢𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑡 𝐵
8.52
𝑀𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 2,040 𝑥 8.5 − 3,200 − 240 𝑥 = 5,470 𝐼𝑏. 𝑓𝑡
2
Shear force and bending moment diagrams for span BC are shown in Fig. 6.5g.

Fig. 6.5f: Fig. 6.5g:

Final Shear force and bending moment diagrams for the beam are shown in Fig. 6.5h.

Fig. 6.5h:

8
Demonstrative Example 2
Consider now the same beam, except the support at C is a roller, Fig. 6.6a. In this case only
one member is at joint C, so the distribution factor for member CB at joint C is:
4𝐸(30)
𝐷𝐹𝐶𝐵 = =1
4𝐸(30)

Fig. 6.6a:
The other distribution factors and the FEMs are the same as computed previously. They are
listed on lines 1 and 2 of Table 3. Initially, we will assume joints B and C are locked. We begin
by unlocking joint C and placing an equilibrating moment of -8000 lb.ft at the joint. The entire
moment is distributed in member CB since (1)(-8000) lb.ft = -8000 lb.ft. The arrow on line 3
indicates that 1/2(-8000) lb.ft = -4000 lb.ft is carried over to joint B since joint C has been
allowed to rotate freely. Joint C is now relocked. Since the total moment at C is balanced, a
line is placed under the -8000 lb.ft moment. We will now consider the unbalanced -12 000 lb.ft
moment at joint B. Here for equilibrium, a +12 000 lb.ft moment is applied to B and this joint
is unlocked such that portions of the moment are distributed into BA and BC, that is, (0.4)(12
000) = 4800 lb.ft and (0.6)(12 000) = 7200 lb.ft as shown on line 4. Also note that +1/2 of these
moments must be carried over to the fixed wall A and roller C since joint B has rotated. Joint
B is now relocked. Again joint C is unlocked and the unbalanced moment at the roller is
distributed as was done previously. The results are on line 5. Successively locking and
unlocking joints B and C will essentially diminish the size of the moment to be balanced until
it becomes negligible compared with the original moments, line 14. Each of the steps on lines
3 through 14 should be thoroughly understood. Summing the moments, the final results are
shown on line 15, where it is seen that the final moments now satisfy joint equilibrium.

9
Table 3:

Rather than applying the moment distribution process successively to each joint, as illustrated
here, it is also possible to apply it to all joints at the same time. This scheme is shown in the
Table 4. In this case, we start by fixing all the joints and then balancing and distributing the
fixed-end moments at both joints B and C, line 3. Unlocking joints B and C simultaneously
(joint A is always fixed), the moments are then carried over to the end of each span, line 4.
Again the joints are relocked, and the moments are balanced and distributed, line 5. Unlocking
the joints once again allows the moments to be carried over, as shown in line 6. Continuing,
we obtain the final results, as before, listed on line 24. By comparison, this method gives a
slower convergence to the answer than does the previous method; however, in many cases this
method will be more efficient to apply, and for this reason we will use it in the examples that
follow. Finally, using the results in either Table 3 or 4, the free-body diagrams of each beam
span are drawn as shown in Fig. 6.6b.

10
Table 4:

Fig. 6.6b:
Although several steps were involved in obtaining the final results here, the work required is
rather methodical since it requires application of a series of arithmetical steps, rather than
solving a set of equations as in the slope deflection method. It should be noted, however, that
the fundamental process of moment distribution follows the same procedure as any
displacement method. There the process is to establish load-displacement relations at each joint
and then satisfy joint equilibrium requirements by determining the correct angular

11
displacement for the joint (compatibility). Here, however, the equilibrium and compatibility of
rotation at the joint is satisfied directly, using a “moment balance” process that incorporates
the load-deflection relations (stiffness factors). Further simplification for using moment
distribution is possible, and this will be discussed in the next section.

Consider span AB (Fig. 6.6b)

∑ 𝑀𝐵 = 0

𝑉𝐴 𝑥 15 − 2823.3 − 5647 = 0 → 𝑉𝐴 = 564.7 𝐼𝑏

∑ 𝑀𝐴 = 0

𝑉𝐵𝐿 𝑥 15 − 5647 − 2823.3 → 𝑉𝐵𝐿 = 564.7 𝐼𝑏

Shear force and bending moment diagrams for span AB are shown in Fig. 6.6c.

Fig. 6.6c: Fig. 6.6d:

Consider span BC (Fig. 6.6b)

∑ 𝑀𝐶 = 0

𝑉𝐵𝑅 𝑥 20 − 5647 − 240 𝑥 20 𝑥 10 = 0 → 𝑉𝐵𝑅 = 2,682.4 𝐼𝑏

∑ 𝑀𝐵 = 0

𝑉𝐶 𝑥 20 − 240 𝑥 20 𝑥 10 + 5647 = 0 → 𝑉𝐶 = 2,117.7 𝐼𝑏

Determination of Point of Maximum Moment
𝑉𝐵𝑅 − 240𝑥 = 0; 2,682.4 − 240𝑥 = 0 → 𝑥 = 11.2 𝑓𝑡, 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑠𝑢𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑡 𝐵
11.22
𝑀𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 2,682.4 𝑥 11.2 − 5647 − 240 𝑥 = 9343.1 𝐼𝑏. 𝑓𝑡
2
Shear force and bending moment diagrams for span BC are shown in Fig. 6.6d.

12
Final Shear force and bending moment diagrams for the beam are shown in Fig. 6.6e.

Fig. 6.6e:

EXAMPLE 6.1: Determine the internal moments at each support of the beam shown in Fig.
6.7a. EI is constant and joints A and D fixed.

Fig. 6.7a:
SOLUTION
The distribution factors at each joint must be computed first.* The stiffness factors for the
members are:
4𝐸𝐼 4𝐸𝐼 4𝐸𝐼
𝐾𝐴𝐵 = ; 𝐾𝐵𝐶 = ; 𝐾𝐶𝐷 =
12 12 8
Therefore:
4𝐸𝐼 ⁄12
𝐷𝐹𝐴𝐵 = 𝐷𝐹𝐷𝐶 = 0; 𝐷𝐹𝐵𝐴 = 𝐷𝐹𝐵𝐶 = = 0.5
4𝐸𝐼 ⁄12 + 4𝐸𝐼 ⁄12

13
 4𝐸𝐼 ⁄12 4𝐸𝐼 ⁄8
𝐷𝐹𝐶𝐵 = = 0.4; 𝐷𝐹𝐶𝐷 = = 0.6
4𝐸𝐼 ⁄12 + 4𝐸𝐼 ⁄8 4𝐸𝐼 ⁄12 + 4𝐸𝐼 ⁄8

The fixed-end moments are:

𝑤𝐿2 −20(12)2
(𝐹𝐸𝑀)𝐵𝐶 = − = = −240 𝑘𝑁. 𝑚;
12 12

𝑤𝐿2 20(12)2
(𝐹𝐸𝑀)𝐶𝐵 = = = 240 𝑘𝑁. 𝑚
12 12
𝑃𝐿 −250(8)
(𝐹𝐸𝑀)𝐶𝐷 =− = = −250 𝑘𝑁. 𝑚
8 8

𝑃𝐿 250(8)
(𝐹𝐸𝑀)𝐷𝐶 = = = 250 𝑘𝑁. 𝑚
8 8
Starting with the FEMs, line 4, Table 5, the moments at joints B and C are distributed
simultaneously, line 5. These moments are then carried over simultaneously to the respective
ends of each span, line 6. The resulting moments are again simultaneously distributed and
carried over, lines 7 and 8. The process is continued until the resulting moments are diminished
an appropriate amount, line 13. The resulting moments are found by summation, line 14.

Placing the moments on each beam span and applying the equations of equilibrium yields the
end shears shown in Fig. 6.7b and the bending-moment diagram for the entire beam, Fig. 6.7c.

NOTE: Here we have used the stiffness factor 4EI/L; however, the relative stiffness factor I/L
could also have been used.

14
Table 5:

(b)

(c)
Fig. 6.7 b, c:
NOTE: Determine the support reactions and draw the shear force diagram. Also show the
calculations for the determination of span maximum moments.

EXAMPLE 6.2: Determine the internal moment at each support of the beam shown in Fig.
6.8a. The moment of inertia of each span is indicated, and joint D fixed.

15
Fig. 6.8a:

SOLUTION
In this problem a moment does not get distributed in the overhanging span AB, and so the
distribution factor (DF)BA = 0. The stiffness of span BC is based on 4EI/L since the pin rocker
is not at the far end of the beam. The stiffness factors, distribution factors, and fixed-end
moments are computed as follows:

4𝐸(750) 4𝐸(600)
𝐾𝐵𝐶 = = 150𝐸; 𝐾𝐶𝐷 = = 160𝐸
20 15

𝐷𝐹𝐵𝐶 = 1 − (𝐷𝐹)𝐵𝐴 = 1 − 0 = 1

150𝐸 160𝐸 160𝐸

𝐷𝐹𝐶𝐵 = = 0.484; 𝐷𝐹𝐶𝐷 = = 0.516; 𝐷𝐹𝐷𝐶 = =0
150𝐸 + 160𝐸 150𝐸 + 160𝐸 ∞ + 160𝐸

Due to the overhang:

(𝐹𝐸𝑀)𝐵𝐴 = 400 𝐼𝑏 (10 𝑓𝑡) = 4000 𝐼𝑏. 𝑓𝑡

𝑤𝐿2 60(20)2 60(20)2

(𝐹𝐸𝑀)𝐵𝐶 = − =− = −2000 𝐼𝑏. 𝑓𝑡; (𝐹𝐸𝑀)𝐶𝐵 = = 2000 𝐼𝑏. 𝑓𝑡
12 12 12
These values are listed on the fourth line of the Table 6. The overhanging span requires the
internal moment to the left of B to be +4000 lb.ft. Balancing at joint B requires an internal
moment of -4000 lb.ft to the right of B. As shown on the fifth line of the table -2000 lb.ft is
added to BC in order to satisfy this condition. The distribution and carry-over operations
proceed in the usual manner as indicated.

16
Table 6:

Since the internal moments are known, the moment diagram for the beam can be constructed
(Fig. 6.8b).

Fig. 6.8b:
NOTE: Determine the support reactions and draw the shear force diagram. Also show the
calculations for the determination of span maximum moments.

17
6.3 STIFFNESS-FACTOR MODIFICATIONS
In the previous examples of moment distribution we have considered each beam span to be
constrained by a fixed support (locked joint) at its far end when distributing and carrying over
the moments. For this reason we have computed the stiffness factors, distribution factors, and
the carry-over factors based on the case shown in Fig. 6.9. Here, of course, the stiffness factor
is K = 4EI/L (Eq. 6.1), and the carry-over factor is +1/2.

Fig. 6.9:

In some cases it is possible to modify the stiffness factor of a particular beam span and thereby
simplify the process of moment distribution. Three cases where this frequently occurs in
practice will now be considered.
Member Pin Supported at Far End: Many indeterminate beams have their far end span
supported by an end pin (or roller) as in the case of joint B in Fig. 6.10a. Here the applied
moment M rotates the end A by an amount θ. To determine θ, the shear in the conjugate beam
at A1 must be determined, Fig. 6.10b. We have:
1 𝑀 2 𝑀𝐿
↶ + ∑ 𝑀𝐵1 = 0; 𝑉𝐴1 (𝐿) − ( ) 𝐿 ( 𝐿) = 0; 𝑉𝐴1 = 𝜃 =
2 𝐸𝐼 3 3𝐸𝐼
Or
3𝐸𝐼
𝑀= 𝜃
𝐿

Fig. 6.10 a, b:
Thus, the stiffness factor for this beam is:
3𝐸𝐼
𝐾= (𝐹𝑎𝑟 𝐸𝑛𝑑 𝑃𝑖𝑛𝑛𝑒𝑑 𝑜𝑟 𝑅𝑜𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑟 𝑆𝑢𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑡𝑒𝑑) 𝐸𝑞. 6.4
𝐿

18
Also, note that the carry-over factor is zero, since the pin at B does not support a moment. By
comparison, then, if the far end was fixed supported, the stiffness factor K = 4EI/L would have
to be modified by 3/4 to model the case of having the far end pin supported. If this modification
is considered, the moment distribution process is simplified since the end pin does not have to
be unlocked–locked successively when distributing the moments. Also, since the end span is
pinned, the fixed-end moments for the span are computed using the values in the right column
of the table on the inside back cover. Example 6.3 illustrates how to apply these simplifications.

EXAMPLE 6.3: Determine the internal moments at the supports of the beam shown in Fig.
6.11a. The moment of inertia of the two spans is shown in the figure.

Fig. 6.11a:
SOLUTION
Since 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(300) 3 4𝐸𝐼 3𝐸(600)
𝐾𝐴𝐵 = = = 80𝐸; 𝐾𝐵𝐶 = = = 90𝐸
𝐿 15 4 𝐿 20

Thus:
80𝐸 80𝐸
𝐷𝐹𝐴𝐵 = = 0; 𝐷𝐹𝐵𝐴 = = 0.4706
∞ + 80𝐸 80𝐸 + 90𝐸

90𝐸 90𝐸
𝐷𝐹𝐵𝐶 = = 0.5294; 𝐷𝐹𝐶𝐵 = =1
80𝐸 + 90𝐸 90𝐸

Further simplification of the distribution method for this problem is possible by realizing that
a single fixed-end moment for the end span BC can be used. Using the right-hand column of
the table on the inside back cover for a uniformly loaded span having one side fixed, the other
pinned, we have:
𝑤𝐿2 −240(20)2
(𝐹𝐸𝑀)𝐵𝐶 = − = = −12,000 𝐼𝑏. 𝑓𝑡
8 8

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The foregoing data are entered into the Table 7 and the moment distribution is carried out. By
comparison with Table 3 or 4, this method considerably simplifies the distribution.
Table 7:

Using the results, the beam’s end shears and moment diagrams are shown in Fig. 6.11b.

Fig. 6.11b:

NOTE: Determine the support reactions and draw the shear force diagram. Also show the
calculations for the determination of span maximum moments.

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