Analysis of Indeterminate Beams

The procedure for the analysis of indeterminate beams by the method of moment distribution is
briefly summarized as follows:

Procedure for Analysis of Indeterminate Beams by the Moment Distribution Method

 Calculate the fixed-end moments for members, assuming that the joints are clamped
against rotation.
 Calculate the distribution factor for each of the members connected at the joint
 Calculate the unbalanced moment at each joint and distribute the same to the ends of
members connected at that joint.
 Carry over one-half of the distributed moment to the other ends of members.
 Add or subtract these latter moments (moments obtained in steps three and four) to or
from the original fixed-end moments.
 Apply the determined end moments at the joints of the given structure.
 Draw the free-body diagram of each span of the given beam, showing the loads and
moments at the joints obtained by the moment distribution method.
 Determine the support reactions for each span.
 Compute and construct the shearing force and bending moment diagrams for each
span.
 Draw one bending moment and one shearing force diagram for the given beam by
combining the diagrams in step 9.
Example 1

Using the moment distribution method, determine the end moments and the reactions at the
supports of the beam shown in Figure 12.6a. Draw the shearing force and the bending moment
diagrams. EI = constant.

Solution

Fixed end moment.

Stiffness factor.

Distribution factor.
 Distribution table

Shear force and bending moment diagrams.

Example 12

Using the moment distribution method, determine the end moments and the reactions at the
supports of the beam shown in Figure 12.7a. Draw the shearing force and the bending moment
diagrams.

Fig. 12.7. Beam.

Solution

Fixed end moment.

Stiffness factor.

Distribution factor.
Distribution table.
Shear force and bending moment diagrams.
12.6 Analysis of Indeterminate Frames

The procedure for the analysis of frames using the moment distribution method depends on the
type of frame that is being analyzed. Frames are categorized as sway- or non-sway frames. The
procedure for the analysis of non-sway frames are similar to that of indeterminate beams. But
for the analysis of sway frames, the procedure is different. There are two stages involved in the
analysis of sway frames, namely the non-sway stage and sway-stage analyses. These stages
are described below.

Procedure for Analysis of Indeterminate Sway-Frames by the Moment Distribution Method

A. Non-sway stage analysis

•First assume the existence of an imaginary prop that prevents the frame from swaying.

•Compute the horizontal reactions at the supports of the frame and note the difference X. This
is the force to prevent sway.

B. Sway stage analysis

•Assume arbitrary moments to act on the columns of the frame. The magnitude of these

moments will vary from column to column in proportion to

•Values are assumed for M2, and M1 is determined.

•The arbitrary moments are then distributed as for the non-sway condition

•Calculate the magnitude of the horizontal reactions at the supports for the sway condition. The
summation of these reactions gives the arbitrary displacing force Y.

•Determine the ratio This ratio is called the sway factor.

•Use the sway factor to multiply the distributed moments of the sway. This gives the corrected
moment for the sway.

•The final moments for the frame are the summation of the moments obtained in the non-sway
stage and the corrected moment for the sway stage.

Example 12.3
Using the moment distribution method, determine the members’ end moments of the frame
shown in Figure 12.8. EI = constant.

Solution

Fixed end moment.

Stiffness factor.

Distribution factor.
Distribution table.

Final member end moments.

Substituting the obtained values of EKθB, EKθC, and EK∆ into the member end moment
equations suggests the following:

MAB = –12.48 k. ft

MBA = +60.37 k. ft

MBC = –75.31 k. ft

MBD = +14.94 k. ft

MCB = 0

MDB = +7.47 k. ft
Example 12.4

Using the moment distribution method, determine the end moments at the supports of the
frame shown in Figure 12.9. EI = constant.

Fig. 12.9. Frame.

Solution

Fixed end moment.

Stiffness factor.

Distribution factor.
Distribution table.

Final member end moments.

MAB = –2.77 k. ft

MBA = –5.55 k. ft

MBC = –5.55 k. ft

MBD = +11.25 k. ft

MCB = –2.77

MDB = +80 k. ft

MDE = –80 k. ft
Example 12.5

Using the moment distribution method, determine the end moments at the supports of the
frame shown in Figure 12.10. EI = constant.

Fig. 12.10. Frame.

Solution

Fixed end moment.

Stiffness factor.

Distribution factor.
. Distribution table.

Final member end moments.

MAB = –13.17 k. ft

MBA = –26.33 k. ft

MBC = –26.33 k. ft

MBD = +53.39 k. ft

MCB = –13.17 k. ft

MDB = 0
Example 12.6

Using the moment distribution method, determine the member end-moments of the frame with
side-sway shown in Figure 12.11a.

Fig. 12.11. Frame with side – sway.

Solution

Fixed end moment.

Stiffness factor.

Distribution factor.
Analysis of frame without side-sway.

Table 12.6. Distribution table (no sway frame).

Analysis of frame with side-sway.

Assume that MAB = +20 k. ft

Table 12.7. Distribution table (sway frame).

Final end moments.
Example 12.7

A sway frame is loaded as shown in Figure 12.12a. Using the moment distribution method,
determine the end moments of the members of the frame.

Fig. 12.12. Loaded sway frame.

Solution

Fixed end moment.

Stiffness factor.

Distribution factor.
Analysis of frame without side-sway.

Table 12.8. Distribution table (no sway frame).

Table 12.9. Distribution table (sway frame).
Analysis of frame with side-sway.
Final end moment.

MAB = –17.52 + (98.52)(0.23) = 5.14 kN. m

MBA = 4.95 + (64.07)(0.23) = 19.69 kN. m

MBC = –4.95 + (–64.07)(0.23) = –19.69 kN. m

MCB = –1.49 + (–59.18)(0.23) = –15.10 kN. m

MCD = 1.49 + (59.18)(0.23) = 15.10 kN. m

MDC = 0.75 + (79.57)(0.23) = 19.05 kN. m

Chapter Summary

Moment distribution method of analysis of indeterminate structures: The moment

distribution method of analysis is an approximate method of analysis. Its degree of accuracy is
dependent on the number of iterations. In this method, it is assumed that all joints in a
structure are temporarily locked or clamped and, thus, are prevented from possible rotation.
Loads are applied to the members, and the moments developed at the member ends due to
fixity are determined. Joints in the structure are then unlocked successively, and the
unbalanced moment at each joint is distributed to members meeting at that joint. Carry over
moments at members’ far ends are determined, and the process of balancing is continued until
the desired level of accuracy. Members’ end moments are determined by adding up the fixed-
end moment, the distributed moment, and the carry over moment. Once members’ end
moments are determined, the structure becomes determinate.

Practice Problems

12.1 Use the moment distribution method to compute the end moment of members of the
beams shown in Figure P12.1 through Figure P12.12 and draw the bending moment and shear
force diagrams. EI = constant.

Fig. P12.1. Beam.

Fig. P12.2. Beam.

Fig. P12.3. Beam.

Fig. P12.4. Beam.
Fig. P12.5. Beam.

Fig. P12.6. Beam.

Fig. P12.7. Beam.
Fig. P12.8. Beam.

Fig. P12.9. Beam.

Fig. P12.10. Beam.
Fig. P12.11. Beam.

Fig. P12.12. Beam.

12.2 Use the moment distribution method to compute the end moment of the members of the
frames shown in Figure P12.13 through Figure 12.20 and draw the bending moment and shear
force diagrams. EI = constant.
Fig. P12.13. Frame.