TOPIC 3

THEORY OF STRUCTURE

PN. SUZLIANA BINTI MARSOM

013-2736449
suzliana@psa.edu.my
 DCC40163

3.0 MOMENT DISTRIBUTION METHOD FOR

STATICALLY INDETERMINATE BEAM (CLO1, C3 ,
PLO1)
Apply the application of moment distribution method for solving statically
indeterminate beams
▪ Describe the basic concept of moment distribution method for statically
indeterminate beams
▪ Explain the stiffness factor, distribution factor and carry over factor
▪ Calculate the internal moment at supports for continuous beams subjected to
point loads, distributed loads and settlement using moment distribution
method
▪ Sketch shear force and bending moment diagram
 WHAT IS MOMENT DISTRIBUTION METHOD?
▪ A structural analysis method for statically indeterminate beams and frames develope
d by Hardy Cross, 1930.
▪ The method only accounts for flexural effects and ignores axial and shear effects.
▪ The most widely practiced method.
▪ In moment distribution method, every joint of the structure to be analysed is fixed
and will develop the Fixed-end Moments.
▪ Then each fixed joint is sequentially released and the Fixed-end Moments are
distributed to adjacent members until equilibrium is achieved.
▪ The moment distribution method in mathematical terms can be demonstrated as the
process of solving a set of simultaneous equations by means of iteration.
▪ The moment distribution method falls into the category of displacement method of
structural analysis.
Bending Stiffness Factor, Distribution Factor and Carry Over Factor?
■ Bending Stiffness Factor, K
Bending Stiffness (EI/L) of a member is represented as the Flexural Rigidity of the member (product of
the Modulus of Elasticity (E) and the Second Moment of Area (I)) divided by the Length (L) of the
member. What is needed in the moment distribution method is not the specific values but
the ratios of bending stiffnesses between all members.

■ In terms of rotational fixity, the beam segment will have one of two possible stiffnesses. If there is
complete rotational fixity or resistance to rotation provided at both ends of the beam, the stiffness
will be,

■ However, if one end of the beam is pinned and therefore has no resistance to rotation at that end,
the beam stiffness will be,
Bending Stiffness Factor, Distribution Factor and Carry Over Factor?
■ We can more readily summaries the possible fixities and their associated stiffnesses graphically

Far End is Fixed =

Far End is Hinged/Roller =

Far End is Continous =

Bending Stiffness Factor, Distribution Factor and Carry Over Factor?
■ Distribution Factor, Df
When a joint is being released and begins to rotate under the unbalanced moment,
resisting forces develop at each member framed together at the joint. Although the total
resistance is equal to the unbalanced moment, the magnitudes of resisting forces
developed at each member differ by the members' bending stiffness. Distribution
factors can be defined as the proportions of the unbalanced moments carried by each
of the members. In mathematical terms, the distribution factor of member, k framed at
joint, j is given as:

Notes: Df for Fixed End=0, Pinned/Roller=1.0

■ Carry Over Factor, COf
The carryover factors are 1/2, except for the carryover factor from fixed support is zero.
 DCC40163

MOMENT DISTRIBUTION METHOD FOR INDETERMINATE BEAM

1. Determine Fixed End Moment, FEM

2. Identify value of K, Df and COf
3. Calculate Internal Moment using Moment Distribution Method
4. Find Reaction at each support/span
5. Draw SFD and BMD
 DCC40163

MOMENT DISTRIBUTION METHOD FOR INDETERMINATE BEAM –

SINKING/SETTLEMENT AT JOINT

• During the construction of a building or a structure, due to the defect in material or in

workmanship, one end of a fixed beam may sink by some amount.
• This type of sinking is common and may cause unintentional bending moment on the
beam.
• The effect of sinking support is considered when calculate the Fixed End Moment
(FEM) by adding this following value
 DCC40163

MOMENT DISTRIBUTION METHOD FOR INDETERMINATE BEAM –

SINKING/SETTLEMENT AT JOINT
Example 3.4:

Calculate the internal moment at supports for continuous beams subjected to point loads,
distributed loads and settlement using moment distribution method. Given settlement at joint C is
10mm, E= 210GPa, I=180 x 10-6 m4. Draw the SFD and BMD of the beam.
 DCC40163

MOMENT DISTRIBUTION METHOD FOR INDETERMINATE BEAM –

SINKING/SETTLEMENT AT JOINT
Example 3.5:

Calculate the internal moment at supports for continuous beams subjected to point loads,
distributed loads and settlement using moment distribution method. Given settlement at joint B is
5mm, E= 210GPa, I=400 x 10-6 m4. Draw the SFD and BMD of the beam.