Moment distribution method

Introduction
Professor Hardy Cross of University of Illinois
of U.S.A. invented this method in 1930
In some books, the moment-distribution
method is also referred to as a Hardy Cross
method or simply a Cross method.
 Introduction
It can be used to analyze all types of statically
indeterminate beams or rigid frames.
It consists of solving the linear simultaneous
equations that were obtained in the slope-
deflection method by successive
approximations or moment distribution.
Increased number of cycles would result in
more accuracy.
 Member stiffness factor
Member stiffness factor (k) - is defined as the
moment required to be applied to produce
unit rotation at the beam support.
For internal member and far end member fixed at
the end support,

For far end member pinned or roller supported,

Member stiffness factor
 Joint stiffness factor and distribution
factor
The total stiffness factor at the joint is the sum
of the member stiffness factors at the joint.

Distribution factor is the ratio according to

which an externally applied unbalanced
moment M at a joint is distributed to the
various members at the joint.
Distribution factor
 Joint stiffness factor and distribution
factor

Joint A stiffness Distribution factor AB Distribution factor CB

K = 3EI/L1 DFAB =(3EI/L1)/ (3EI/L1) = 1 DFCB =(4EI/L2)/ (4EI/L2+ 4EI/L3)

Joint B stiffness Distribution factor BA Distribution factor CD

K = 3EI/L1+ 4EI/L2 DFBA =(3EI/L1)/ (3EI/L1+ 4EI/L2) DFCD =(4EI/L3)/ (4EI/L2+ 4EI/L3)

Joint C stiffness Distribution factor BC Distribution for fixed support

K = 4EI/L2+ 4EI/L3 DFBC =(4EI/L2)/ (3EI/L1+ 4EI/L2) DF = 0
 Carry over factor
Carry-over factor is the ratio of the moment
induced at the far end to the moment applied
at near end for a propped cantilever beam.
The carry over factor is 0.5.
 Moment
Sign convention: clockwise moments that act
on the member are considered positive,
whereas counter wise moments are negative.
The loads on the span must be converted into
fixed end moment (FEM) at the supports.
Example 12.1 (Hibbeler, 2009)
Example 12.1 (Hibbeler, 2009)
Example 12.1 (Hibbeler, 2009)
Example 12.1 (Hibbeler, 2009)
 Beam with settled support
Bending moments are induced due to
differential sinking of supports.
Once the fixed end moments have been
computed by using the above formula, these
are distributed in a tabular form as usual.
 Moment distribution method for
frame
1. Frame with no side sway
2. Frame with side sway
 Frame with no side sway
Properly restrained in the horizontal direction

No restraint, but the frame is symmetric in respect to both

loading and geometry
 Frame with side sway
1. When the loading is nonsymmetrical.
Frame without side sway Example
12.5 (Hibbeler, 2009)
Example 12.5 (Hibbeler, 2009)
Example 12.5 (Hibbeler, 2009)
Example 12.5 (Hibbeler, 2009)
Frame with side sway
Frame with side sway Example 12.6
(Hibbeler, 2009)
Example 12.6 (Hibbeler, 2009)
Example 12.6 (Hibbeler, 2009)
Example 12.6 (Hibbeler, 2009)