www.Vidyarthiplus.

com
CE6501-Structural Analysis I III year/ V Sem Dept of Civil

UNIT-V

MOMENT DISTRIBUTION METHOD

1. What is the difference between absolute and relative stiffness?

Absolute stiffness is represented in terms of E, I and l, such as 4EI / l.

Relative stiffness is represented in terms of I and l, omitting the constant E. Relative

stiffness is the ratio of stiffness to two or more members at a joint.

2. Define: Continuous beam.

A Continuous beam is one, which is supported on more than two supports. For usual
loading on the beam hogging ( - ive ) moments causing convexity upwards at the supports and sagging
( + ve ) moments causing concavity upwards occur at mid span.

3. What are the advantages of Continuous beam over simply supported beam?

1. The maximum bending moment in case of continuous beam is much less than in case of
simply supported beam of same span carrying same loads.

2. In case of continuous beam, the average bending moment is lesser and hence lighter
materials of construction can be used to resist the bending moment.

4. In a member AB, if a moment of –10 KNm is applied at A, what is the moment carried over to B?

Carry over moment = Half of the applied moment

∴Carry over moment to B = -10/5 = -5 KNm

5. What are the moments induced in a beam member, when one end is given a unit rotation, the other
end being fixed. What is the moment at the near end called?

When θ = 1,
A l B MAB = 4EI MBA = 2EI

θ=1 l l
MAB is the stiffness of AB at B.

6.A beam is fixed at A and simply supported at B and C. AB = BC = l. Flexural rigidities of AB and
BC are 2EI and EI respectively. Find the distribution factors at joint B if no moment is to be
transferred to support C

A l B l C
79
N.Sathishkumar 2015-2016

www.Vidyarthiplus.com
 www.Vidyarthiplus.com
CE6501-Structural Analysis I III year/ V Sem Dept of Civil

Joint B: Relative stiffness: I1 = 2I for BA. KBA = 2

l l
3 x I1 = 3I for BC KBC = ¾ = 0.75

4 l 4l
Distribution factors:

DF for BA: KBA = 2 = 8/11 = 0.727

KBA + KBC 2 + 0.75

DF for BC: KBC = 0.75 = 3/11 = 0.273

KBC + KBA 2 + 0.75
7. Define: Moment distribution method.( Hardy Cross mrthod).

It is widely used for the analysis of indeterminate structures. In this method, all the
members of the structure are first assumed to be fixed in position and fixed end moments due to
external loads are obtained.

8. Define: Stiffness factor.

It is the moment required to rotate the end while acting on it through a unit rotation,
without translation of the far end being

(i) Simply supported is given by k = 3 EI / L

(ii) Fixed is given by k = 4 EI / L

where, E = Young’s modulus of the beam material.

I = Moment of inertia of the beam

L = Beam’s span length.

9. Define: Distribution factor.

When several members meet at a joint and a moment is applied at the joint to produce
rotation without translation of the members, the moment is distributed among all the members
meeting at that joint proportionate to their stiffness.

Distribution factor = Relative stiffness / Sum of relative stiffness at the joint

80
N.Sathishkumar 2015-2016

www.Vidyarthiplus.com
 www.Vidyarthiplus.com
CE6501-Structural Analysis I III year/ V Sem Dept of Civil

If there is 3 members, Distribution factors = k1 , k2 , k3

k1 + k2 + k3 k1 + k2 + k3 k1 + k2 + k3

10. Define: Carry over moment and Carry over factor.

Carry over moment: It is defined as the moment induced at the fixed end of the beam by the
action of a moment applied at the other end, which is hinged. Carry over moment is the same nature of
the applied moment.

Carry over factor ( C.O) : A moment applied at the hinged end B “ carries over” to the fixed
end A, a moment equal to half the amount of applied moment and of the same rotational sense.
C.O =0.5

11. Define Flexural Rigidity of Beams.

The product of young’s modulus (E) and moment of inertia (I) is called Flexural Rigidity
(EI) of Beams. The unit is N mm 2.
12. Define: Constant strength beam.

If the flexural Rigidity (EI) is constant over the uniform section, it is called Constant
strength beam.

13. What is the sum of distribution factors at a joint?

Sum of distribution factors at a joint = 1.

14. Define the term ‘sway’.

Sway is the lateral movement of joints in a portal frame due to the unsymmetry in
dimensions, loads, moments of inertia, end conditions, etc.

15. Find the distribution factor for the given beam.

A L B L C L D

81
N.Sathishkumar 2015-2016

www.Vidyarthiplus.com
 www.Vidyarthiplus.com
CE6501-Structural Analysis I III year/ V Sem Dept of Civil

Joint Member Relative stiffness Sum of Relative stiffness Distribution factor

A AB 4EI / L 4EI / L (4EI / L) / (4EI / L) = 1
B BA 3EI /L 3EI /L + 4EI / L = 7EI / L (3EI / L) / (7EI / L )= 3/7

C BC
CB 4EI
4EI // L
L 4EI / L + 4EI / L =8EI / L (4EI
(4EI // L)
L) // (7EI
(8EI // L) = 4/7
L) =4/8

D CD
DC 4EI
4EI // L
L 4EI / L (4EI
(4EI/ /L)
L)// (8EI
(4EI // L)=
L) =4/8
1

16. Find the distribution factor for the given beam.

A L ( 3I) B L (I) C

Join Member Relative stiffness Sum of Relative stiffness Distribution factor

A AB 4E (3I ) / L 12EI / L (12EI / L) / (12EI / L) = 1
B BA 4E( 3I) /L 12EI /L + 4EI / L = 16EI / L (12EI / L) / (16EI / L )= 3/4

C BC
CB 4EI // L
4EI L 4EI / L (4EI
(4EI // L)
L) // (16EI
(4EI / /L)L)=1
= 1/4

17. Find the distribution factor for the given beam.

D
A B L C L

Join Member Relative stiffness Sum of Relative stiffness Distribution factor

B BA 0( no support) 3EI / L 0

C BC
CB 3EI // L
3EI L 3EI /L + 4EI / L = 7EI / L (3EI(3EI
/ L) // L(7EI
) / (/ 3EI
L )=/ 3L)/ =1
7

D CD
DC 4EI
4EI // L
L 4EI / L (4EI
(4EI // L)
L) // (7EI
(4EI // L) =4/7
L) =1

82
N.Sathishkumar 2015-2016

www.Vidyarthiplus.com
 www.Vidyarthiplus.com
CE6501-Structural Analysis I III year/ V Sem Dept of Civil

18. What are the situations where in sway will occur in portal frames?

a. Eccentric or unsymmetric loading

b. Unsymmetrical geometry

c. Different end conditions of the columns

d. Non-uniform section of the members

e. Unsymmetrical settlement of supports

f. A combination of the above

19. What is the ratio of sway moments at column heads when one end is fixed and the other end
hinged? Assume that the length and M.I of both legs are equal.

Assuming the frame to sway to the right by δ

δ δ Ratio of sway moments =

B C - 6EIδ
MBA = l2 = 2

MCD - 3EIδ
l2

A D

20. A beam is fixed at its left end and simply supported at right. The right end sinks to a lower level
by a distance ‘∆’ with respect to the left end. Find the magnitude and direction of the reaction at the
right end if l is the beam length and EI, the flexural rigidity.

83
N.Sathishkumar 2015-2016

www.Vidyarthiplus.com
 www.Vidyarthiplus.com
CE6501-Structural Analysis I III year/ V Sem Dept of Civil

MA (due to sinking of B) = 3EI∆

l2
21. What are symmetric and antisymmetric quantities in structural behaviour?

When a symmetrical structure is loaded with symmetrical loading, the bending moment and
deflected shape will be symmetrical about the same axis. Bending moment and deflection are
symmetrical quantities.

MOMENT DISTRIBUTION METHOD -

INTRODUCTION AND BASIC PRINCIPLES

Introduction

(Method developed by Prof. Hardy Cross in 1932)

The method solves for the joint moments in continuous beams and

rigid frames by successive approximation

Statement of Basic Principles

Consider the continuous beam ABCD, subjected to the given loads,

as shown in Figure below. Assume that only rotation of joints occur

at B, C and D, and that no support displacements occur at B, C and

D. Due to the applied loads in spans AB, BC and CD, rotations occur at B, C and D.

150KN

84
N.Sathishkumar 2015-2016

www.Vidyarthiplus.com
 www.Vidyarthiplus.com
CE6501-Structural Analysis I III year/ V Sem Dept of Civil

In order to solve the problem in a successively approximating manner,

it can be visualized to be made up of a continued two-stage problems

viz., that of locking and releasing the joints in a continuous sequence.

The joints B, C and D are locked in position before any load is applied on the beam ABCD; then
given loads are applied on the beam. Since the joints of beam ABCD are locked in position,
beams AB, BC and CD acts as individual and separate fixed beams, subjected to the applied
loads; these loads develop fixed end moments.

In beam AB

Fixed end moment at A = -wl2/12 = - (15)(8)(8)/12 = - 80 kN.m

Fixed end moment at B = +wl2/12 = +(15)(8)(8)/12 = + 80 kN.m

In beam BC

Fixed end moment at B = - (Pab2)/l2 = - (150)(3)(3)2/62

= -112.5 kN.m

Fixed end moment at C = + (Pab2)/l2 = + (150)(3)(3)2/62

= + 112.5

In beam AB

Fixed end moment at C = -wl2/12 = - (10)(8)(8)/12 = - 53.33 kN.m

Fixed end moment at D = +wl2/12 = +(10)(8)(8)/12 = + 53.33kN.m

85
N.Sathishkumar 2015-2016

www.Vidyarthiplus.com
 www.Vidyarthiplus.com
CE6501-Structural Analysis I III year/ V Sem Dept of Civil

Since the joints B, C and D were fixed artificially (to compute the the fixed-end moments), now the
joints B, C and D are released and allowed to rotate. Due to the joint release, the joints rotate
maintaining the continuous nature of the beam. Due to the joint release, the fixed end moments on
either side of joints B, C and D act in the opposite direction now, and cause a net unbalanced moment
to occur at the joint.

These unbalanced moments act at the joints and modify the joint moments at B, C and D, according to
their relative stiffnesses at the respective joints. The joint moments are distributed to either side of the
joint B, C or D, according to their relative stiffnesses. These distributed moments also modify the
moments at the opposite side of the beam span, viz., at joint A in span AB, at joints B and C in span BC
and at joints C and D in span CD. This modification is dependent on the carry-over factor (which is
equal to 0.5 in this case);

The carry-over moment becomes the unbalanced moment at the joints to which they are carried
over. Steps 3 and 4 are repeated till the carry-over or distributed moment becomes small.

Sum up all the moments at each of the joint to obtain the joint moments.

SOME BASIC DEFINITIONS

In order to understand the five steps mentioned in section 7.3, some words need to be defined and
relevant derivations made.

7.3.1 Stiffness and Carry-over Factors

Stiffness = Resistance offered by member to a unit displacement or rotation at a point, for given
support constraint conditions

86
N.Sathishkumar 2015-2016

www.Vidyarthiplus.com
 www.Vidyarthiplus.com
CE6501-Structural Analysis I III year/ V Sem Dept of Civil

A clockwise moment MA is applied at A to produce a +ve bending in beam AB. Find A and MB.

Using method of consistent deformations

Considering moment MB,

MB + MA + RAL = 0
87
N.Sathishkumar 2015-2016

www.Vidyarthiplus.com
 www.Vidyarthiplus.com
CE6501-Structural Analysis I III year/ V Sem Dept of Civil

MB = MA/2= (1/2)MA

Carry - over Factor = 1/2

7.3.2 Distribution Factor

Distribution factor is the ratio according to which an externally applied unbalanced moment M at a
joint is apportioned to the various members mating at the joint

M = MBA + MBC + MBD

 4 E I   4 E I   4 E I 
  1 1    2 2    3 3  B
 L1   L2   L3 
 K BA  K BC  K BD  B
M M
 B  
K BA  K BC  K BD   K
 K 
M BA  K BA B   BA  M  ( D.F ) BA M
K 
 
Similarly
K 
M BC   BC  M  ( D.F ) BC M
K 
 
K 
M BD   BD  M  ( D.F ) BD M
K 
 

Modified Stiffness Factor

The stiffness factor changes when the far end of the beam is simply-supported.
88
N.Sathishkumar 2015-2016

www.Vidyarthiplus.com
 www.Vidyarthiplus.com
CE6501-Structural Analysis I III year/ V Sem Dept of Civil

As per earlier equations for deformation, given in Mechanics of Solids text-books.

M AL
A 
3EI
M 3EI  3  4 EI 
K AB  A     
A L  4  L 
3
 ( K AB ) fixed
4

Solve the previously given problem by the moment distribution method

Fixed end moments

wl 2 (15)(8) 2
M AB   M BA     80 kN .m
12 12
wl (150)(6)
M BC   M CB     112.5 kN .m
8 8
wl 2 (10)(8) 2
M CD   M DC     53.333 kN .m
12 12

Stiffness Factors (Unmodified Stiffness

4 EI (4)( EI )
K AB  K BA    0.5 EI
L 8
4 EI (4)( EI )
K BC  K CB    0.667 EI
L 6
 4 EI  4
K CD    EI  0.5 EI
 8  8
89
4 EI
N.SathishkumarK DC   0.5 EI 2015-2016
8
www.Vidyarthiplus.com
 www.Vidyarthiplus.com
CE6501-Structural Analysis I III year/ V Sem Dept of Civil

Distribution Factors

K BA 0.5 EI
DFAB    0 .0
K BA  K wall 0.5   ( wall stiffness )
K BA 0.5 EI
DFBA    0.4284
K BA  K BC 0.5 EI  0.667 EI
K BC 0.667 EI
DFBC    0.5716
K BA  K BC 0.5 EI  0.667 EI
K CB 0.667 EI
DFCB    0.5716
K CB  K CD 0.667 EI  0.500 EI
K CD 0.500 EI
DFCD    0.4284
K CB  K CD 0.667 EI  0.500 EI
K DC
DFDC   1.00
K DC

Moment Distribution Table

Joint A B C D
Member AB BA BC CB CD DC
Distribution Factors 0 0.4284 0.5716 0.64 0.36 1
Computed end moments -80 80 -112.5 112.5 -53.33 53.33
Cycle 1
Distribution 13.923 18.577 -37.87 -21.3 -53.33
Carry-over moments 6.962 -18.93 9.289 -26.67 -10.65
Cycle 2
Distribution 8.111 10.823 11.122 6.256 10.65
Carry-over moments 4.056 5.561 5.412 5.325 3.128
Cycle 3
Distribution -2.382 -3.179 -6.872 -3.865 -3.128
Carry-over moments -1.191 -3.436 -1.59 -1.564 -1.933
Cycle 4
Distribution 1.472 1.964 2.019 1.135 1.933
Carry-over moments 0.736 1.01 0.982 0.967 0.568
Cycle 5
Distribution -0.433 -0.577 -1.247 -0.702 -0.568

Summed up -69.44 90
100.69 -100.7 93.748 -93.75 0
N.Sathishkumar
moments 2015-2016

www.Vidyarthiplus.com
 www.Vidyarthiplus.com
CE6501-Structural Analysis I III year/ V Sem Dept of Civil

Computation of Shear Forces

91
N.Sathishkumar 2015-2016

www.Vidyarthiplus.com