Moment Distribution

The method can be used to analyse:

Statically indeterminate beams (continuous beams)

Rigid jointed frames (Portal frames) (sub- frames)

A sub-frame of a larger, more complex frame

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It is useful for:

As a background to understanding structural behaviour.

Checking computer output.

Sometimes quicker than using computer analysis for simple

problems.

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THIS YEAR

The method can only be used in non-sway (braced) frames.

IN FINAL YEAR: the method will be extended for use on sway

(unbraced) frames.

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Original Problem

Properties E1, I1 Properties E2, I2

Length 1 Length 2

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Modified Problem
1. Fix the ends of all beams where they are joined to isolate them from each other.
2. Calculate the stiffness of each member at each end of the member.
3. From the stiffnesses, the distribution factors at each joint (or support) can be calculated.
The distribution factor is simply the relative stiffness of each member at a joint.

Point Load at
mid span

Properties E1, I1 Properties E2, I2

Length 1 Length 2

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Member Stiffnesses

Cases:

If both ends fixed: K=4EI/L

If remote end is pinned: K=3EI/L at joined end

K=0 PIN

NOTE: Carry over to remote end is zero.

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Distribution Factors DF

Distribution Factors at each joint = Member Stiffness/Sum of all stiffnesses at

the joint.

If there are 2 members at a joint, there will be 2 distribution factors at the joint.

The sum of all distribution factors at a joint MUST equal 1.

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Calculate the moments at each end of each (isolated) beam. These moments
are called the FIXED END MOMENTS and are dependent upon the loading
(and span) alone.

There are standard formulae for ANY load case.

This year we will consider either a UDL on a beam or a point load anywhere on
the beam.

Any more complex loading is covered by simply looking up the relevant fixed end
moments and applying the same methodology.

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Calculation of Fixed End Moments
Only two cases are considered at present
I. Case 1 Point load anywhere on beam:

a b a b

Or

Length

FEM at Left Hand end = -Pb2a/L2

FEM at Right Hand end = +Pa2b/L2

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Calculation of Fixed End Moments

II. Case 2 UDL on beam:

Or

Length

FEM at each Left Hand end = -WL2/12

FEM at each Right Hand end = +WL2/12

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Put the frame back together and consider equilibrium at each joint.
Successively balance the moments at each joint (carrying over .O. to the
remote end) at each joint until the difference is negligible.
Balance each joint in turn.
Whenever a joint is balanced, 50% of the balancing moment is carried across to the
other end of the beam (unless it is pinned)
Once all the joints have been balanced for a first time, the effects of the C.O. over
moments must be balanced.
Each joint is again balanced, and so on until the effects of the C.O. moments are
negligible.
Once the moments at all supports are found, the structure can be analyzed using
statics to calculate the complete BM/SFD for the structure.
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