Unit 4.1 Analysis of Statically Indeterminate Beams - Moment Distribution Method (Part 1)

SAINT MARY’S ANGELS COLLEGE OF PAMPANGA
Olongapo-Gapan Road, Sta. Ana, 2022, Pampanga
INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIAL
IN STRUCTURAL THEORY 2
(THEORY 2)
A.Y. 2020-2021
REFERENCES:
1. Hibbeler, R., 2015. Structural Analysis. 9th ed. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall.
2. Rajan, S., 2001. Introduction To Structural Analysis & Design. New York: John Wiley & Sons.
3. Utku, S., Norris, C. and Wilbur, J., 1991. Elementary Structural Analysis. New York: McGraw-Hill.
4. Kassimali, A., 2011. Structural Analysis SI Edition. 4th ed. Stamford, Connecticut: Cengage.
5. Leet, K., 2011. Fundamentals Of Structural Analysis. 5th ed. New York, USA: McGraw-Hill Education.
Unit 4: Analysis of Statically Indeterminate Beams – Moment
Distribution Method (Part 1)
CHAPTER OBJECTIVES
• Learn the moment distribution method, which is an approximate procedure for analyzing
indeterminate beams and eliminates the need to write and solve the simultaneous equations.
• Understand how joint equilibrium is achieved by unlocking and locking joints in succession and
distributing moments to both ends of all members framing to the joint until all joints achieve
equilibrium.
• Learn the procedure to analyze beams.
• Extend the use of moment distribution method to beams with non-prismatic members.
INTRODUCTION
Moment distribution is based on the method of successive approximation 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 analysis.
As will be explained in detail later, moment distribution is a method of successive approximations that
may be carried out to any desired degree of accuracy. Essentially, the method begins by assuming each
joint of a structure is fixed. Then, by unlocking and locking each joint in succession, the internal
moments at the joints are “distributed” and balanced until the joints have rotated to their final or nearly
final positions.
SIGN CONVENTION
Counterclockwise moments acting on the beam are considered to be positive, and clockwise moments
acting on the beam are considered negative. This implies that clockwise reaction at the joint is positive
and counterclockwise reaction at the joint is negative.
CARRY OVER MOMENT
Carry-over moment is defined as the moment induced at the fixed end of a beam by the action of the
moment applied at the other end.
Consider the propped beam shown above,
𝐸𝐼𝑡𝐵/𝐴 = (𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎𝐴𝐵 ) ∙ 𝑋𝐵 = 0
1 2 1 1
2
𝐿𝑀𝐴 ( 3𝐿) + 2𝐿𝑀𝐵 (3𝐿) =0
Then,
(Eq. 4.1.1)
1
𝑀𝐴 = − 𝑀𝐵
2
FIXED-END MOMENTS (FEMs)
Assume that each span of continuous beam to be fully restrained against rotation then fixed -end
moments at the ends its members are computed.
MEMBER STIFFNESS FACTOR K
Member Stiffness Factor is the moment required to produce unit rotation at the simply supported end
of a beam, the other end being rigidly fixed. Consider again the beam in figure below, which is pinned at
one end and fixed at the other. In previous lessons we related M to θ using the conjugate-beam
method.
From the beam above,
𝐸𝐼𝜃𝐵= 𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎𝐴𝐵
𝐸𝐼𝜃𝐵= ½𝐿𝑀𝐴 + ½𝐿𝑀𝐵
𝐸𝐼𝜃𝐵= ½𝐿(−½𝑀𝐵 ) + ½𝐿𝑀𝐵
𝐸𝐼𝜃𝐵= −¼𝐿𝑀𝐵
4𝐸𝐼𝜃
𝑀𝐵 =
𝐿
If θ = 1 radian, 𝑀𝐵 = beam stiffness K, thus
(Eq. 4.1.2)
4𝐸𝐼
𝐾=
𝐿
DISTRIBUTION FACTOR, DF
At a joint, the distribution factor of a member is the ratio of the bending stiffness of the member to the
sum of bending stiffness of all the members connected to the joint.
If a moment M is applied to a fixed connected joint, the connecting members will each supply a portion
of the resisting moment necessary to satisfy moment equilibrium at the joint. That fraction of the total
resisting moment supplied by the member is called the distribution factor (DF).
(Eq. 4.1.3)
𝐾
𝐷𝐹 =
𝛴𝐾
At a fixed support the distribution factor depends on the member stiffness factor and the “stiffness
factor” of the wall. Since in theory it would take an “infinite” size moment to rotate the wall one radian,
the wall stiffness factor is infinite. Thus, the distribution factor will become no value as it is approaches
zero. Therefore, 𝑫𝑭 = 𝟎 at fixed support.
For instance, you have a one member connected at a joint. Consider the beam as shown below, In this
case only one member is at joint C, so the distribution factor for member CB at joint C will be
automatically 1 because the total stiffness at that joint is equivalent to stiffness CB.
MEMBER RELATIVE STIFFNESS FACTOR
Quite often a continuous beam or a frame will be made from the same material so its modulus of
elasticity E will be the same for all the members. If this is the case, the common factor 4E in Eq (4.1.1)
will cancel from the numerator and denominator of Eq. (4.1.2) when the distribution factor for a joint is
determined. Hence, it is easier just to determine the member’s relative-stiffness factor.
(Eq. 4.1.4)
𝐼
𝐾𝑟 =
𝐿
and use this for the computations of the DF.
Modified K
For hinge and roller ends, multiply K by 3/4 to eliminate further distribution of moment on that support.
Multiplying Eq. (4.1.2) with ¾ we obtain;
(Eq. 4.1.5)
3𝐸𝐼
𝑀𝑜𝑑𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑒𝑑 𝐾 =
𝐿
ILLUSTRATIVE PROBLEMS
1. Perform Structural Analysis on the following continuous beams

a.
b.
c.
2. Determine the resulting moments at the supports of the continuous beam shown below due to the
given loads and a 15 mm settlement of the support at C. Draw the shear and moment diagram. E =
200,000 MPa and I = 190 x 106 mm4.

Unit 4.1 Analysis of Statically Indeterminate Beams - Moment Distribution Method (Part 1)

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What is the moment distribution method?

What are fixed-end moments?

SAINT MARY’S ANGELS COLLEGE OF PAMPANGA

Olongapo-Gapan Road, Sta. Ana, 2022, Pampanga

CARRY OVER MOMENT

Consider the propped beam shown above,

MEMBER STIFFNESS FACTOR K

From the beam above,

MEMBER RELATIVE STIFFNESS FACTOR

1. Perform Structural Analysis on the following continuous beams

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