The moment distribution method (not to be confused with moment redistribution) is a structural analysis method for statically indeterminate beams and frames developed by Hardy Cross. It was published in 1930 in an ASCE journal.[1] The method only accounts for flexural effects and ignores axial and shear effects. From the 1930s until when computers began to be widely used in the design and analysis of structures, the moment distribution method was the most widely used method in practice.
Contents
Introduction
In the moment distribution method, every joint of the structure to be analysed is fixed so as to develop the fixed-end moments. Then each fixed joint is sequentially released and the fixed-end moments (which by the time of release are not in equilibrium) 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.
Implementation
In order to apply the moment distribution method to analyse a structure, the following things must be considered.
Fixed end moments
Fixed end moments are the moments produced at member ends by external loads when the joints are fixed.
Flexural stiffness
The flexural stiffness (EI/L) of a member is represented as the 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 exact value but the ratio of flexural stiffness of all members.
Carryover factors
Unbalanced moments are carried over to the other end of the member when the joint is released. The ratio of the carried-over moment at the other end to the fixed-end moment of the initial end is the carryover factor.
Sign convention
Once a sign convention has been chosen, it has to be maintained for the whole structure.
Framed structures
Framed structures with or without sidesway can be analysed using the moment distribution method.
Example
Example
The statically indeterminate beam shown in the figure is to be analysed.
- Members AB, BC, CD have the same length .
- Flexural rigidities are EI, 2EI, EI respectively.
- Concentrated load of magnitude acts at a distance from the support A.
- Uniform load of intensity acts on BC.
- Member CD is loaded at its midspan with a concentrated load of magnitude .
In the following calcuations, counterclockwise moments are positive.
[edit] Fixed-end moments
[edit] Distribution factors
The distribution factors of joints A and D are DAB = 1,DDC = 0.
[edit] Carryover factors
The carryover factors are , except for the carryover factor from D (fixed support) to C which is zero.
[edit] Moment distribution
| Joint | A | Joint | B | | joint | C | | Joint | D | |
Faktor Dist | 0 | 1 | 0.2727 | 0.7273 | | 0,6667 | 0,3333 | | 0 | 0 | |
Momen Primer | | 14700 | -6300 | 8,333 | | -8,333 | 12,500 | | -12,500 | | |
Step 1 | | -14700 | -7,350 | | | | | | | | |
Step 2 | | | 1,450 | 3,867 | | 1,934 | | | | | |
Step 3 | | | | -2,034 | | -4,067 | -2,034 | | -1,017 | | |
Step 4 | | | 0,555 | 1,479 | | 0,739 | | | | | |
Step 5 | | | | -0,346 | | -0,493 | -0,346 | | -0,123 | | |
Step 6 | | | 0,067 | 0,179 | | 0,090 | | | | | |
Step 7 | | | | -0,030 | | -0,060 | -0,03 | | -0,015 | | |
Step 8 | | | 0,008 | 0,022 | | 0,011 | | | | | |
Step 9 | | | | -,004 | | -0,007 | -0,004 | | -0,002 | | |
Step 10 | | | 0,001 | 0,003 | | | | | | | |
Total | | | -11,569 | 11,569 | | -10,186 | 10,186 | | -3,657 | | |
Numbers in grey are balaced moments; arrows ( → / ← ) represent the carry-over of moment from one end to the other end of a member.
Result
- Moments at joints determined by the moment distribution method
- The conventional engineer's sign convention is used here, i.e. positive moments cause elongation at the bottom part of a beam member.
For comparison purposes, the following are the results generated using a matrix method. Note that in the analysis above, the iterative process was carried to >0.01 precision. The fact that the matrix analysis results and the moment distribution analysis results match to 0.001 precision is mere coincidence.
- Moments at joints determined by the matrix method
The complete shear and bending moment diagrams are as shown. Note that the moment distribution method only determines the moments at the joints. Developing complete bending moment diagrams require additional calculations using the determined joint moments and internal section equilibrium.
Shear force diagram
source : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moment_distribution_method