Review Innovations Theory of Structures – 6

Moment Distribution Method • Positive for clockwise reaction

Moment distribution is based on the method of successive approximation • Negative for counterclockwise reaction
developed by Hardy Cross (1885–1959) in his stay at the University of Illinois at
Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). This method is applicable to all types of rigid frame Case End Moments End Moments
Type of Load
analysis. No. (Actual Sign) (Used Sign)
P
Pab2 Pab2
MA = – FEMAB = –
Carry-Over Moment 1
a b L2 L2
Carry-over moment is defined as the moment induced at the fixed end of a beam A B Pa2b Pa2b
MB = - FEMBA = +
by the action of a moment applied at the other end. L L2 L2
P
PL
Mfixed end = -½ Mapplied FEMAB = –
L/2 L/2 PL 8
2 MA = MB = -
A B 8 PL
FEMBA = +
Beam stiffness (K) L 8
Beam stiffness is the moment required by the simply supported end of a beam wo
to produce a unit rotation of that end, the other end being rigidly fixed. w oL2
2
FEMAB = –
• Absolute K = 4EI / L 3 MA = MB = -
w oL 12
• Relative K = I / L A B 12 w oL2
FEMBA = +
L
• Modified K = ¾ ´ (Relative K or Absolute K) 12
wo
5 5
About Modified K MA = - woL2 FEMAB = – woL2
4 192 192
For continuous beams with hinge or roller ends, the final moment at that end is A B 11 11
zero. The distribution of moment will become easier if we multiply the beam MB = - woL2 FEMBA = + woL2
L/2 L/2 192 192
stiffness K of the span containing that support by ¾, which would eliminate any
further distribution of moment on that support. Do not do this for fixed-end wo w oL2 w oL2
support. MA = - FEMAB = –
5 30 30
A B w oL2 w oL2
MB = - FEMBA = +
Distribution factor (DF) L 20 20
In frames and continuous beams, the moments between any two adjacent wo
members are generally not equal. The unbalanced moment must be distributed 5w oL2
2
FEMAB –
to the other end of each member. The ratio of distribution to any beam is called 6 MA = MB = -
5w oL 96
the distribution factor, DF and is defined by A B 96 5w oL2
FEMBA = +
L 96
DF = K/SK
a b Mb æ 3a ö Mb æ 3a ö
M MA = + ç - 1÷ FEMAB = + ç - 1÷
where K = stiffness factor L è L ø L è L ø
7
SK = sum of the stiffness factors for adjacent members A B Ma æ 3b ö Ma æ 3b ö
• If the members are of the same material, use relative K. L MB = - ç - 1÷ FEMBA = + ç - 1÷
L è L ø L è L ø
• DF = 0 for fixed end.
L 6EI D 6EI D
• DF = 1 for hinged or roller end. A MA = - FEMAB = –
8
L2 L2
D
6EI D 6EI D
Fixed-End Moments (FEM) B
MB = + FEMBA = –
In the moment distribution method, we first assume the individual spans to be L2 L2
fully restrained at both ends, then we compute the fixed end moments.
Rules of Sign
Review Innovations Theory of Structures – 6
FEM for Any Loadings Problem

dx

3 kN/m 5 kN
y
2 kN/m
A B
MA x1 MB
x D
A 1m 2m 1m 3m 3m 2m 2m
x2
L

1 x2 1 x2
FEM AB = -
L2 ò x1
x(L - x )2 ( y dx ) FEMBA = +
L2 ò x1
x(L - x )2 ( y dx )

Example
Determine the moment at supports A and B of the fixed-ended beam loaded as
shown: Problem
12 kN/m

10 kN/m 2 kN/m

9 kN/m
C
E
2I D 2I
A B 2m
3m 3m
40 kN
I I

Steps of Using Moment Distribution Method: 2m

1. Assume that all supports are fixed or locked and compute the fixed end A B
moments.
2. Unlock each support and distribute the unbalanced moment at each one to 6m 6m
each adjacent span using the distribution factor DF.
3. After distribution, carry-over “one-half” of the moment in step 2 with the
same sign, to the other end of each span.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until the carry-over moment becomes zero or negligibly
small.

Problem
Problem
Determine the Reactions at supports 20 kN
7.5 kN/m
100 kN EI = Constant 100 kN
24 kN/m

2m 3m 2m 1m
D A B C
A 3m 12 m 8m 2m
B C