Moment Distribution Method 133

x2
M1

A2
l2

()
M1
2
A1 A3

A B
()
l1
3
()
2l1
3 C M2 x3
x1

FIG. 2.4(c)

The tangent drawn at A passes through C and B. Hence, from the above figure;
Ai xi /EIi = 0
M1 l1
i.e. A1 = (1/2) (l1/3) (M1/2) =
12
Ê2 2 l1 ˆ 8
x1 = l2 + Á l1 + ˜; x1 = l2 + l1
Ë3 3 3¯ 9

Ê2 ˆ M1 l1
A2 = (– 1/2) Á l1 ˜ M1 = -
Ë3 ¯ 3

Ê 1ˆ Ê 2 ˆ Ê l ˆ 2
x2 = l2 + Á ˜ Á ˜ Á 1 ˜ ; x1 = l2 + l1
Ë 3¯ Ë 3¯ Ë 3 ¯ 9

M 2 l2
A3 = (1/2) (l2 )M2 =
2
2
x3 = l2
3

Thus, Aixi/EI gives

- 3 M1 l1 l2 M l2
+ 22 = 0
12 EI 1 3EI 2

M 2 l22 - 3 M1 l1 l2
=
3EI 2 12 EI 1
l2 M 2 3 M1 l1
=
I2 4 I1
134  Indeterminate Structural Analysis

M2 3 M1
=
k2 4 k1

M2 (3/4 k2 )
i.e., =
k2 k1

If one end of a member is not fixed then the “stiffness” of that member should be
multiplied by (3/4).

2.2.4 Theorem 4
Consider a fixed beam AB as shown below. End B has settled by a distance . As the
ends are fixed, there must develop a fixing moment M at the each end of the beam.

FIG. 2.5(a) Sinking of supports in a fixed beam

A1
A B
A2
x1

x2
l2 l2

FIG. 2.5(b) Bending moment diagram

Taking moments about B and using the moment area theorem;

Ai xi /EIi = – 
1 l - Ml
i.e. A1 = – ÊÁ ˆ˜ ÊÁ ˆ˜ M =
Ë 2¯ Ë 2¯ 4

Ê 1ˆ Ê l ˆ Ml
A2 = Á ˜ Á ˜ M =
Ë 2¯ Ë 2¯ 4

l 2 Ê lˆ 5l
x1 = + ÁË ˜¯ =
2 3 2 6
1 Ê lˆ l
x2 = ÁË ˜¯ =
3 2 6
 Moment Distribution Method 135

1 È Ê Ml ˆ Ê 5l ˆ Ê Ml ˆ Ê l ˆ ˘
-Á ˜ Á ˜ + ÁË ˜ Á ˜ = -d
EI ÍÎ Ë 4 ¯ Ë 6 ¯ 4 ¯ Ë 6 ¯ ˙˚

Ê - 5 Ml 2 Ml 2 ˆ 1
ÁË 24 + = -d
24 ˜¯ EI

( - 5 + 1) Ml 2
= -d
24 24

6Eld
M=
l2

i.e., when a fixed ended beam settles by an amount δ at one end, the moment required
to make the ends horizontal = 6EI/l2.
The above four theorems can be summarised as
(1) When the member is fixed at one end and a moment is applied at the other end
which is simply supported or hinged, the moment induced at the fixed end is
one half of the applied moment. The induced moment at the fixed end is in the
same direction as the applied moment.
(2) If a moment is applied in a stiff joint of a structure, the moment is resisted by
various members in proportion to their respective stiffnesses (i.e., moment of
inertia divided by the length). If the stiffness of the member is more; then it
resists more bending moment and it absorbs a greater proportion of the applied
moment.
(3) While distributing the moments in a rigid joint, if one end of the member is not
restrained then its stiffness should be multiplied by (3/4).
(4) In a fixed beam, if the support settles/subsides/sinks by an amount , the
moment required to make the ends horizontal is 6EI/l2.

2.3 BASIC DEFINITIONS OF TERMS IN THE MOMENT

DISTRIBUTION METHOD
(a) Stiffness
Rotational stiffness can be defined as the moment required to rotate through a unit
angle (radian) without translation of either end.
(b) Stiffness Factor
(i) It is the moment that must be applied at one end of a constant section member
(which is unyielding supports at both ends) to produce a unit rotation of that
end when the other end is fixed, i.e. k = 4EI/l.
(ii) It is the moment required to rotate the near end of a prismatic member through
a unit angle without translation, the far end being hinged is k = 3EI/l.