Module II: Analysis of statically indeterminate beams

Lesson 19

Module II: Displacement Method: Moment Distribution Method – 5

In this lesson we will learn how to apply the Moment Distribution Method in
frames where joint translation (sidesway) is allowed. The procedure is
illustrated via the following example.

19.1 Example

Draw the bending moment diagram for the follwing frame. EI is constant for all
members.

7.5 kN/m

10kN B C
10 m
5m 5m

D
A
Figure 18.1
The above problem can be represented as the superposition of two sub-problems
as shwon in Figure 18.2.

7.5 kN/m  
C
10kN B B C
10 m F
10 m
5m 5m
+ 5m 5m

D
D
A A

(a) (b)
Figure 18.2
In the first sub-problem (Figure 18.2a), sidesway is prevented and therefore can
be analyzed by moment distribtuin mehod as discussed in the previous lesson.
 Module II: Analysis of statically indeterminate beams

Suppose Cx be the horizontal reaction at C. Now in the second sub-problem

apply an arbitrary sidesway  as shown in Figure 18.2b. Calculate horizontal
force F due to arbitrary sidesway . Then the beam end moment in the orizinal
structure is obtained as,

M original M sub problem1  kM sub  problem 2

Cx
Where, k 
F

Step1: Solution of sub-problem 1 (sidesway restrained)

4 EI BA 4 EI 4 EI BC 2 EI 4 EI CD 4 EI
k BA   , k BC   and k CD  
LBA 5 LBC 5 LCD 5

Distribution factors are,

2 1 1 2
DFBA  , DFBC  , DFCB  and DFCD 
3 3 3 3

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 1
C BA  , C BC  2 , CCB  2 and CCD 
2 2

Fixed end moments are,

7.5  10 2 7.5  10 2
M FBC   62.5kNm ; M FCB  62.5kNm
12 12

M FAB  M FBA M FCD M FDC 0 .

Calculations are performed in the following table.

 Module II: Analysis of statically indeterminate beams

A B(2/3) B(1/3) C(1/3) C(2/3) D

0 0 -62.5 62.5 0 0
41.67 20.83 -20.83 -41.67
20.84 -10.42 10.42 -20.84
6.95 3.47 -3.47 -6.95
3.48 -1.74 1.74 -3.48
1.16 0.58 -0.58 -1.16
0.58 -0.29 0.29 -0.58
0.19 0.10 -0.10 -0.19
0.2 -0.05 0.05 -0.2
0.03 0.02 -0.02 -0.03
25 50 -50 50 -50 -25

MBA MCD

C
B
7.5 kN/m
C
10kN B Cx

A AX D
DX
MAB MDC
A AX D DX

MAB MDC

Figure 18.3

From the free body diagram of AB and CD (Figure 18.3),

M AB  M BA 25  50
Ax    75 kN
L AB 5

M CD  M DC  25  50
Dx    75 kN
LCD 5

Also,
C x  10  Ax  B x  10 - 75  75  10 kN
 Module II: Analysis of statically indeterminate beams

Step 2: Solution of sub-problem 2 (for an arbitrary sidesway)

Let an arbitray sway   100 / EI is applied at C. Fixed end moments due to 

are,
6 EI 6 EI 100
M FAB  M FBA     120 kNm
L AB 5 EI

6 EI 6 EI 100
M FCD M FDC     120 kNm
LCD 5 EI

Moment distribution calculations,

A B(2/3) B(1/3) C(1/3) C(2/3) D

-120 -120 0 0 -120 -120
80 40 40 80
40 20 20 40
-13.33 -6.67 -6.67 -13.33
-6.67 -3.34 -3.34 -6.67
2.22 1.11 1.11 2.22
1.11 0.56 0.56 1.11
-0.37 -0.19 -0.19 -0.37
-0.19 -0.1 -0.1 -0.19
0.03 0.07 0.07 0.03
-85.75 -51.45 51.45 51.45 -51.45 -85.75

Horizontal reactions at A and D are,

M AB  M BA  85.75  51.45
Ax    27.44 kN
L AB 5

M CD  M DC  85.75  51.45
Dx    27.44 kN
LCD 5

Therefore, total horizontal force due to lateral sway   100 / EI can be

determined by the following equilibrium equation,
F  Ax  Dx  0  F  54.88 kN

Hence, k  C x / F  10 / 54.88

Final moment now can be obtained as,

 Module II: Analysis of statically indeterminate beams

M original M  kM
sub problem1 sub  problem 2

Therefore,
M AB M AB1 kM AB 2 25  10 / 54.88  (85.75)  9.375 kNm

M BA M BA1 kM BA2 50  10 / 54.88  (51.45)  40.625 kNm

M BC M BC1 kM BC 2 50  10 / 54.88  (51.45)  40.625 kNm

M CB M CB1 kM CB 2 50  10 / 54.88  (51.45)  59.375 kNm

M CD M CD1 kM CD 2 50  10 / 54.88  (51.45)  59.375 kNm

M DC M DC1 kM DC 2 25  10 / 54.88  (85.75)  40.625 kNm

93.75 59.375
40.625

9.375 40.625

Figure 18.4: Bending moment diagram

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. Fixed end moment increases with increase in sidesway.

2. If a portal frame undergoes sidesway then sway in both the columns are
same.

Answers: 1. T

2. T