Chapter 12

Displacement Method of Analysis:

Moment Distribution Method
 Introduction
In this method, joint rotations & displacements are used
as unknowns in carrying out the analysis.
Unlike the slope deflection method, the moment-
distribution method does not require the solution of
simultaneous equations, instead answers are obtained
by a procedure of successive approximations (iteration
technique).
From the slope deflection equations it is evident that
the moments acting on the ends of a member in a frame
consist of several distinct parts;
The fixed-end moments, which are the moments caused by the
load acting on the member, with the ends of the member
assumed to be fixed.
The moment due to the rotations that actually take at the ends
of the member.
The moments caused by the translation of one end of the
member relative to the other
 General Principles
Sign convention
Same sign as slope deflection equations; clockwise moments are
considered positive & counterclockwise moments are negative.
Member stiffness factor
If the beam is pinned at one end & fixed at the other
I
M AB 2E 2 A B 3 (FEM ) AB
L L
2EI
M AB 2A 0 0 0
L
4EI
M AB A
L
For unit A = 1
It is referred to as the stiffness factor at A and can be
4EI defined as as the amount of moment M required to rotate
K AB the end A of the beam A = 1 radian
L
 General Principles
Joint Stiffness Factor
The total stiffness factor for joint A is
equal to the summation of the stiffness
factor of each member. M
K A K AB K AD K AC
K A 1000 4000 5000 10000
That means a moment of 10000 needed to
rotate joint A (1 radian)
Distribution Factor (DF)
If a moment M is applied to joint A, that will rotate joint A an amount of
then each member connected to that joint will rotate by this same amount
M M 1 M i M n K 1 K i K n K i
The distribution factor for ith member is
Mi K i K
DFi DF
M Ki K
 General Principles
Example; Fined the moment at each side of joint A (MAB, MAD & MAC).
The total stiffness factor of joint A
K 1000 4000 5000 10000
The distribution factors for each members M=2000N.m
at joint A
4000
DFAB 0.4
10000
5000
DFAC 0.5
10000
1000
DFAD 0.1
10000
The moment of each member at the joint
M AB 0.4 2000 800N .m
M AC 0.5 2000 1000N .m
M AD 0.1 2000 200N .m
 General Principles
Member relative-stiffness
As in the most cases, the frame or the beam, will be made
from the same material, same modulus of elasticity, then
the 4E is same for all members.

4EI 1 I1
K L1 L1
DF
K 4EI 1 4EI i 4EI n I 1 I i I n
L1 Li Ln L1 L i L n

I
KR
L
 General Principles
Carry-Over Factor
The applied moment M at A cause A to rotate A.
Applying slope deflection;
2EI 4EI
M AB 2
A B 3 FEM AB A
L
L L
2EI 2EI
M BA 2 B A 3 FEM BA A
L L L
1
M BA M AB
2

That means that, the moment M at the pin induces a moment M`= 0.5 M
at the fixed end. In this case the carry over factor is +0.5.
The carry-over represent the fraction of M that is carried over from the
pin to the wall.
 Problem 1
Determine the internal moment at each support of the beam
1. Calculate the distribution factors at all
joints that are free to rotate
4E (300)
K BA 4E (20)
15
4E (600)
K BC 4E (30)
20
Joint B
4E (20)
DFBA 0.4
4E (20) 4E (30)
4E (30)
DFBC 0.6
4E (20) 4E (30)
For joint A & C the distribution factors = 0.
4E (20)
DFAB 0.
4E (20)
4E (30)
DFCB 0.
4E (30)
 Problem 1
2. Calculate the fixed end moment
assuming all joints to be locked
FEM AB FEM BA 0.
240(20)2
FEM BC 8000lb .ft FEM CB 8000lb .ft
12
3. Begin the actual moment distribution process

D.F. 0. 0.4 0.6 0.

F.E.M. 0. 0. 8000 8000

Balancing 0. 3200 4800 0.
Joint B
Carry over 1600 2400
moment

Final Ms 1600 3200 3200 10400

 Example 12-1
Draw the bending moment diagram.
1. The distribution factors
4EI 4EI
K AB K BC
12 12
4EI
K CD
8
Joint B Joint C
4EI / 12 4EI / 12
DFBA 0.5 DFCB 0.4
4EI / 12 4EI / 12 4EI / 8 4EI / 12
4EI / 12 4EI / 8
DFBC 0.5 DFCD 0.6
4EI / 12 4EI / 12 4EI / 8 4EI / 12
2. Fixed end moment
FEM AB FEM BA 0.
20(12)2
FEM BC 240kN .m FEM CB 240kN .m
12
250(8)
FEM CD 250kN .m FEM DC 250kN .m
8
 Example 12-1
3. Begin the actual moment distribution process

D.F. 0. 0.5 0.5 0.4 0.6 0.

F.E.M. 0. 0. 240 240 250 250
Balancing 120 120 4 6
C.O.M 60 2 60 3
Balancing 1 1 24 36
C.O.M 0.5 12 0.5 18
Balancing 6 6 0.2 0.3
C.O.M 3 0.1 3 0.15
Balancing 0.05 0.05 1.2 1.8
C.O.M 0.02 0.6 0.02 0.9
Balancing 0.3 0.3 0.01 0.01
Final Ms 62.5 125.3 125.3 281.5 281.5 234.3
Example 12-1
 Problem 2
Determine the internal moment at each support.
1. The distribution factors 8t 3t/m
A
4EI 8EI
K AB K BC I B 2I C
6 6
Joint B 3m 3m 6m
4EI / 6 1
DFBA
4EI / 6 8EI / 6 3
8EI / 6 2
DFBC
4EI / 6 8EI / 6 3
Joint C
8EI / 6
DFCB 1
8EI / 6
2. Fixed end moment
3(6)2
FEM BC 9t .m FEM CB 9t .m
12
8(6)
FEM AB 6t .m FEM BA 6t .m
8
 Problem 2
3. Begin the actual moment distribution process

D.F. 0. 1/ 3 2 / 3 1.
F.E.M. 6 6 9 9
Balancing 0. 1 2 9
C.O.M 0.5 4.5 1
Balancing 0. 1.5 3 1
C.O.M 0.75 0.5 1.5
Balancing 0. 0.16 0.34 1.5

C.O.M 0.08 0.75 0.17

Balancing 0. 0.25 0.5 0.17
C.O.M 0.12 0.08 0.25
Balancing 0. 0.02 0.06 0.25

Final Ms 4.54 8.93 8.93 0.

Example 12-2
Example 12-2
Example 12-2
 Stiffness-Factor Modification
Member pin supported at far end.
Using slop-deflection equations
2EI
M AB 2
A B 3 FEM AB
L L
2EI
M BA 2
B A 3 FEM BA
L L
M BA 0.
2EI
0. 2B A 0 0
L
A
B
2
2EI A 3EI
M AB 2
A 2 0 0 A
L L
The stiffness factor for this beam is;
3EI
K To model the case of having the far end pinned or
L roller supported
 Problem 3
Back to Problem 3- Solution A 8t 3t/m
A
1. The distribution factors
I B 2I C
4EI 6EI
K AB K BC 3m
6 6 3m 6m
Joint B
4 D.F. 0. 0.4 0.6 1.
DFBA 0.4
46 F.E.M. 6 6 13.5
6
DFBC 0.6 Balancing 0. 3 4.5
46
C.O.M 1.5
Joint C
8EI / 6 Balancing 0. 0. 0.
DFCB 1
8EI / 6 Final Ms 4.5 9 9 0.
2. Fixed end moment
3(6)2
FEM BC 13.5t .m
8
8(6)
FEM AB 6t .m FEM BA 6t .m
8
 Problem 4
Determine the internal moment at each support.
9t.m 1t/m 9t.m
1. The distribution factors A D
4EI 4EI B C
K AB K BC
6 12
4EI 12m
K CD 4m 2m 2m 4m
6
Joint B Joint C
4EI / 6 2 4EI / 6 2
DFBA DFCD
4EI / 6 4EI / 12 3 4EI / 6 4EI / 12 3
4EI / 12 1 4EI / 12 1
DFBC DFCB
4EI / 6 4EI / 12 3 4EI / 6 4EI / 12 3
2. Fixed end moment
1(12)2
FEM BC 12t .m
12 FEM CB 12t .m
9 2(2 4 2) 9 4(2 2 4)
FEM AB 2
3t .m FEM BA 2
0.t .m
6 6
9 2(2 4 2) 9 4(2 2 4)
FEM DC 2
3t .m FEM CD 0.t .m
6 62
 Problem 4
3. Begin the actual moment distribution process
9t.m 1t/m 9t.m
A D
B C

D.F. 0. 2 / 31 / 3 1/ 3 2 / 3 0.
F.E.M. 3 0. 12 12 0. 3
Balancing 8 4 4 8
C.O.M 4 2 2 4
Balancing 1.33 0.67 0.67 1.33
C.O.M 0.67 0.33 0.33 0.67
Balancing 0.22 0.11 0.11 0.22
C.O.M 0.11 0.06 0.06 0.11
Balancing 0.04 0.02 0.02 0.04
C.O.M 0.02 0.02
Final Ms 1.8 9.59 9.59 9.59 9.59 1.8
 Stiffness-Factor Modification
Symmetric beam & loading.
Using slop-deflection equations

2EI
M BC 2
B C 3 FEM BC
L L
From symmetry of load C = -B
2EI
M BC 2B B 0 0
L
2EI
M AB B
L
The stiffness factor is;
2EI
K For the center span of Symmetric beam & load
L
 Stiffness-Factor Modification
Symmetric beam with Anti-symmetric Loading.
Using slop-deflection equations

2EI
M BC 2
B C 3 FEM BC
L L
From symmetry of load C = B
2EI
M BC 2B B 0 0
L
6EI
M AB B
L
The stiffness factor is;
6EI
K For the center span of Symmetric beam & load
L
 Problem 5
Back to Problem 4
1. The distribution factors
4EI 2EI
K AB K BC 1t/m
6 12 9t.m 9t.m
A D
Joint B B C
4EI / 6
DFBA 0.8
4EI / 6 2EI / 12 12m
4m 2m 2m 4m
2EI / 12
DFBC 0.2
4EI / 6 2EI / 12
D.F. 0. 0.8 0.2
F.E.M. 3 0. 12
2. Fixed end moment Balancing 9.6 2.4
FEM BC 12t .m
C.O.M 4.8
FEM CB 12t .m
Final Ms 1.8 9.6 9.6 9.6 9.6 1.8
FEM AB 3t .m
FEM BA 0.t .m
 Example 12-3
Determine the internal moment at the supports for the beam shown. EI is constant
 Example 12-4

Determine the internal moment at the supports for the beam shown. E is constant
Example 12-4
 Problem 6
Determine the internal moment at each support when
support B sinks by 10mm. EI = 200t.m2
1. The distribution factors 6t 2t/m 2t
4EI 3EI A
K AB K BC B C
3 6
Joint B 3m 6m
4EI / 3 1.5m
DFBA 0.73
4EI / 3 3EI / 6 Cantilevers moment
3EI / 6 M C 2 1.5 3t .m
DFBC 0.27
4EI / 3 3EI / 6
Moment developed by the settlements
Joint C Member AB
DFCB
4EI / 6
1 6EI 6 200 0.01
4EI / 6 M AB M BA
L2 32
2. Fixed end moment M AB M BA 1.33t .m
FEM AB 6(3) / 8 2.25t .m
FEM BA 2.25t .m Member BC
3EI 3 200 0.01
M BC M CB
FEM BC 2(6) 2 / 8 9t .m L 2
62
M BC 0.165t .m
 Problem 6
3. Begin the actual moment distribution process
A
B C

D.F. 0. 0.73 0.27 1. 0.

F.E.M. 2.25 2.25 9 3
FEM due to 1.33 1.33 0.165

Balancing joint C 3 0
C.O.M 1.5
Total Modified F.E.M. 3.58 0.92 7.34
Balancing 0. 4.68 1.74
C.O.M 2.34

Balancing 0. 0.

Final Ms 1.24 5.6 5.6 3 3

 Problem 7: Frame with No Sway
3t/m
Determine the internal moment at
each support. EI constant B C
1. The distribution factors 3m 8m
3EI 4EI
K AB K BC 4t
6 8
Joint B
1/ 2 3m
DFBA 0.5
1/ 2 1/ 2
A
1/ 2
DFBC 0.5
1/ 2 1/ 2
B 0.5 0.
C
16 16
2. Fixed end moment 5.75
3 2.875
FEM BA (4) 6 4.5t .m
16 10.25
18.875
FEM BC 3(8) 2 / 12 16t .m

FEM CB 16t .m A
 Problem 8
Determine the internal moment 80kN 60kN
at each support. EI constant A B
C
1. The distribution factors
4EI 4EI 4EI 4m 3m 2m 1m 2m
K AB K BC K BD
5 3 4
Joint B D
4/5
DFBA 0.255
4 / 5 4 / 3 1
4/3 42.345 49.71 39.81
DFBC 0.425 6.76
4 / 5 4 / 3 1
3.945 6.57
1 7.89 13.14
DFBD 0.32 0 0
4 / 5 4 / 3 1 38.4 57.6 26.67 13.33
2. Fixed end moment 0. 0.255 0.425 0.
FEM AB 38.4kN .m

0.32
-9.9

-9.9
FEM BA 57.6kN .m

0.
FEM BC 26.67kN .m
FEM CB 13.33kN .m -4.95
-4.95

FEM BD FEM DB 0
0.
0.
0
 Example 12-5
Determine the internal moment at the joints for the frame shown.
There is a pin support at E and D and a fixed support at A. EI is constant
Example 12-5
Frames with Sway
 Example 12-6
Determine the moment at each joint. EI is constant

(A)
(C) (B)

Moment at A is equal to the moment at B plus the moment at C

 Example 12-6
Structure B 5.76 2.64
0.32 0.08
Distribution factors 0.64 0.16
Joint B 0.32 1.28
0.64 2.56
DFBA= 0.5 5.12 1.28
DFBC= 0.5 10.24 2.56
0.5 0.5

-1.28

-0.08

-2.64
-1.28
0.
0.

0.
Joint C

0.5
5.76

0.32

0.32

5.12

0.5
DFCB= 0.5 0.

0.

0.
DFCD= 0.5

0.

-0.64
0.
-0.64

-0.04
0.
0.

-1.32
0.
2.88
0.16

0.16

2.56

0.
0.
0.

0.

0.

Fixed end moment

FEMBC= -10.24 kN.m
FEMCB= 2.56 kN.m
 Example 12-6
Determine the joint resistance R B C R
Fx = 0.
R = HA + HD 5.76 -2.64

By taking the moment at C we get

HD = -0.79
HA 2.88 HD -1.32
By taking the moment at B we get A D
HD = 1.73
R = 1.73 0.79 = 0.94 kN
0.94
Structure C kN
Assuming all the joints are locked, the
produced by the load R caused a moment M
6EI
Modified Fixed End Moment 2 FEM
L
As is equal in column AB & CD & FEM = 0.
6EI
MFEM AB MFEM BA MFEM CD MFEM DC
25
MFEM BC MFEM CB 0.
 Example 12-6
The final moment produced by the R = 0.94 kN can be determined by;
Take EI = 25 and then fined out the moment on the frame
MFEM AB MFEM BA MFEM CD MFEM DC 6

MFEM BC MFEM CB 0.

3.6 3.6
0.19 0.19
0.375 0.375
0.75 0.75
1.5 1.5
3 3
0. 0.
0.5 0.5

-0.75

0.19

-3.6
3
0.
-6

0.
0.5
-0.75
0.19
-3.6

0.5
-6
0.

0.
3
-0.375

-6

1.5
0.
-0.375

0.10
0.
0.

-4.8
0.
0.10
-4.8

1.5

0.
-6
0.

0.

0.
 Example 12-6
Determine the joint resistance R that produced EI = 25
Fx = 0. B C R
R = HA + HD
By taking the moment at C we get -3.6 -3.6
HD = 1.68
By taking the moment at B we get
HA = 1.68 HA -4.8 H -4.8
A D
D
R = 1.68 + 1.68 = 3.36 kN
The moment produced by the reaction R = 0.94 kN would be
0.94
M R 0.94 M EI 25
3.36 1.01 1.01

-1.01
-1.01
-1.34

-1.34
 Example 12-6
The final moment would be the moment of B plus the moment of C

M AB 2.88 1.34 1.54 kN .m

M BA 5.76 1.01 4.75 kN .m

M BC 5.76 1.01 4.75 kN .m
M CB 2.64 1.01 3.65 kN .m
M CD 2.64 1.01 3.65 kN .m
M DC 1.32 1.34 2.66 kN .m
 Example 12-6 Solution B
MFEM AB MFEM BA MFEM CD MFEM DC 100
MFEM BC MFEM CB 0. 60 60
0.195 0.195
0.39 0.39
0.78 0.78
1.56 1.56
3.125 3.125
6.25 6.25
12.5 12.5
25 25
50 50
0. 0.
0.5 0.5

-12.5

3.125
50
0.
-100

0.
0.

0.
-0.78
0.
0.195
-60
3.125

0.5
-0.78

-12.5
0.

-100
0.195
-60

0.5
50
0.

0.

-100

25
0.
-6.25
0.
0.

0.
-0.39

-80
-100

1.56
0.
-0.39

-6.5

0.
1.56
-80

25

0.
0.

0.

0.
 Example 12-6 Solution B
Determine the joint resistance R that produced EI = 25
Fx = 0. B C R
R = HA + HD
By taking the moment at C we get -60 -60
HD = 28 kN
By taking the moment at B we get
HB = 28 kN HA -80 H -80
A D
D
R = 28 + 28 = 56.0 kN
The moment produced by the reaction R = 0.94 kN would be
0.94
M R 0.94
56.0 1.01 1.01

-1.01
-1.01
-1.34

-1.34
 Example 12-6
The final moment would be the moment of B plus the moment of C

M AB 2.88 1.34 1.54 kN .m

M BA 5.76 1.01 4.75 kN .m

M BC 5.76 1.01 4.75 kN .m
M CB 2.64 1.01 3.65 kN .m
M CD 2.64 1.01 3.65 kN .m
M DC 1.32 1.34 2.66 kN .m
 Example 12-7
Determine the moment at each joint
of the frame shown. E is constant
Example 12-7
Example 12-7
Example 12-7
 Problem 9
Determine the moment at each joint. EI is constant

(A) (B) (C)

 Problem 9
Structure B
Distribution factors
Joint B (symmetry)
4EI
K BA
8,6
2EI
K BC
7
4EI / 8.6 10.12
DFBA 0.62
4EI / 8.6 2EI / 7 0.
2EI / 7 6.21
DFBC 0.38
4EI / 8.6 2EI / 7 16.33
0.38
Fixed end moment
FEMBC = -16.33 kN.m
FEMCB = 16.33 kN.m

Determine the joint resistance R

R = 6 kN (symmetry HA = HD)
 Problem 9
Structure C B C 6 kN
Assuming all the joints are locked, the
produced by the load R caused a moment M
6EI 0.
MFEM 2 FEM A CD D
L
2
take AB = B BC
1
BC = 2(AB cos) = 2 5/8.6 = 1.163 AB
CD = AB =
6EI
MFEM AB MFEM BA MFEM CD MFEM DC 2

8.6
6EI 6.98EI
MFEM BC MFEM CB 2
( 1.163 )
7 49
Take EI = 8.62 and then fined out the moment on the frame
MFEM AB MFEM BA MFEM CD MFEM DC 6
MFEM BC MFEM CB 10.53
 Problem 9
7.6 7.6
0.19 0.19
0.35 0.35
0.69 0.69
1.25 1.25
2.49 2.49
10.53 10.53
0.55 0.55

The joint resistance R that produced EI = 8.62

Fx = 0.
R = HA + HD
 Problem 9
7.1 C
7.6
6.6
B B C
7.1
VB VC
7m 6.8

7m
HAA 5m 5m D
HD
6.8 VD
VA
Free body diagram for column AB & Free body diagram for column CD &
taking the moment at B = 0. taking the moment at C = 0.
H 'A 7 6.8 7.6 V A 5 0 H 'D 7 6.8 7.6 V D 5 0
Free body diagram for Beam BC& Free body diagram for Beam BC&
taking the moment at C = 0. taking the moment at B = 0.
V B 7 7.6 7.6 0 V C 7 7.6 7.6 0
V A V B 2.17 V D V C 2.17

H 'A 3.6 H 'D 3.6

 Problem 9
R = 3.6 + 3.6= 7.2 kN
The moment produced by the reaction R = 6 kN would be
6 6.33 6.33
M R 6 M
7.2 EI 8.6
2

The final moment would be the moment of B plus the moment of C

M AB 5.06 5.67 0.61kN .m

M BA 10.12 6.33 3.79kN .m

M BC 10.12 6.26 3.79kN .m
M CB 10.12 6.33 16.45kN .m
M CD 10.12 6.33 16.45kN .m
M DC 5.06 5.67 10.73kN .m