Module II: Analysis of statically indeterminate beams

Lesson 17

Module II: Displacement Method: Moment Distribution Method – 3

In this lesson the application of the Moment Distribution Method in continusous

beam is illustrated via two examples.

17.1 Example 1
Draw the bending moment diagram for the following continuous beam. All
spans have constant EI.

3 kN/m 10 kN

A B C

5m 2m 3m

Figure 17.1

From lesson 15.1.3 we have,

4 EI BA 4 EI 3EI BC 3EI
k BA   and k BC  
LBA 5 LBC 5

Distribution factors for BA and BC are,

4 3
DFBA  and DFBC 
7 7

End A is fixed and therefore no moment will be carrid over to B from A. Carry
over factors for other joints,
1 1 1
C BA  , C BC  , CCB 
2 2 2
 Module II: Analysis of statically indeterminate beams

Fixed end moments are,

3  52 3  52
M FAB    6.25 kNm ; M FBA  6.25 kNm
12 12

10  2  32 10  3  2 2
M FBC   7.2 kNm ; M FCB  4.8 kNm
52 52

Calculations are performed in the following table.

A (4/7) B B (3/7) C DF shwon in parenthesis

-6.25 6.25 -7.2 4.8 Fixed end moment (Step 1)
0 0.54 0.41 -4.8 distributd balancing moment
0.27 0 -2.4 0.21 Carry over moments
1.37 1.03 -0.21 distributd balancing moment
0.68 -0.11 0.52 Carry over moments
0.06 0.05 -0.52 distributd balancing moment
-5.29 8.22 -8.22 0 Final moment

12.5

9.375
8.22
5.29

Figure 17.2: Bending moment diagram (in kNm)

17.2 Example 2
Replace the fixed support at A by a hinge in the continuous beam shown in
Example 1 and determine the bending moments.
 Module II: Analysis of statically indeterminate beams

3 kN/m 10 kN

A B C

5m 2m 3m

Figure 17.3

From lesson 15.1.3 we have,

4 EI BA 4 EI 3EI BC 3EI
k BA   and k BC  
LBA 5 LBC 5

Distribution factors for BA and BC are,

4 3
DFBA  and DFBA 
7 7

Carry over factors,

1 1 1 1
C AB  , C BA  , C BC  , CCB 
2 2 2 2

Fixed end moments are,

3  52 3  52
M FAB    6.25 kNm ; M FBA  6.25 kNm
12 12

10  2  32 10  3  2 2
M FBC   7.2 kNm ; M FCB   4.8 kNm
52 52

Calculations are performed in the following table.

A (4/7) B B (3/7) C DF shwon in parenthesis

 Module II: Analysis of statically indeterminate beams

-6.25 6.25 -7.2 4.8 Fixed end moment (Step 1)

6.25 0.54 0.41 -4.8 distributd balancing moment
0.27 3.12 -2.4 0.21 Carry over moments
-0.27 -0.41 -0.31 -0.21 distributd balancing moment
-0.21 -0.14 -0.11 0.16 Carry over moments
0.21 0.14 0.11 -0.16 distributd balancing moment
0.07 0.11 -0.08 0.06 Carry over moments
-0.07 -0.02 -0.01 -0.06 distributd balancing moment
0 9.59 -9.59 0 Final Moment

12.5

9.375
9.59

Figure 17.4: Bending moment diagram (in kNm)

Suggested Readings
Hbbeler, R. C. (2002). Structural Analysis, Pearson Education (Singapore) Pte.
Ltd.,Delhi.

Jain, A.K., Punmia, B.C., Jain, A.K., (2004). Theory of Structures. Twelfth
Edition, Laxmi Publications.
Menon, D., (2008), Structural Analysis, Narosa Publishing House Pvt. Ltd.,
New Delhi.
Hsieh, Y.Y., (1987), Elementry Theory of Structures , Third Ddition, Prentrice
Hall.
 Module II: Analysis of statically indeterminate beams

QUIZ

State whether the following statements are true (T) or false (F):

1. Distribution factor of a member increases with increase in Young’s

modulus.

2. Distribution of factor of a memeber decreases with increase in its depth.

3. Fixed end moment depends on the support condition.

4. At the hinged support fixed end moment is zero.

5. Distribution factor is a dimensionless parameter.

Answers: 1. T

2. F

3. F

4. F
5. T