MOMENT DISTRIBUTION METHOD

This is a stand-alone tutorial for students studying structures. It is about a method of finding the
bending moment in beams that cannot easily be solved by other methods. The theory is due to the
work of Professor Hardy Cross - the very same man who evolved the theory for solving pipe
networks. The work can be used to solve the bending moment in frames but this is not covered here.
At the heart of this method is a way
to determine how a moment M
applied at a rigid joint (such as that
shown) is distributed to the members.
When the moment is applied the joint
will rotate a tiny angle and this is
the same for all the members at the
joint and leads to the solution.
The fraction of M that is distributed to any given member is KDM where KD is called the
distribution factor. The fraction depends on the rotational stiffness K of each member and this
depends on:1. The length, material and cross section (E, I and L)
2. The way the other end of the member is fixed.
A fraction of M is also carried over to the opposite end of the member and this depends on the way
the end is supported. The moment carried over to the other end is KC KD M where KC is the carry
over factor. Usually we use Mx = KC My where My is the moment at the joint end and Mx the
moment at the other end.
ROTATIONAL STIFFNESS K
Click here for the full derivation ROTATIONAL STIFFNESS
Relative Rotational Stiffness K for each member is the ratio K =

M
where M is the moment in the

member at the joint.

M
4EI
=K=
. (e.g. at end B of AB).

L
M
3EI
When the other end is simply supported = K =
. (e.g. at end B of CB).

L
At a free end (e.g. C on the diagram) the stiffness is zero as there is no moment M = 0.
When the other end of the member is rigidly fixed

At a rigid end (wall) (e.g. A on the diagram) the stiffness is infinity since = 0.

D.J.Dunn 2009 www.freestudy.co.uk

MOMENT DISTRIBUTION FACTOR

Click here for the derivation DISTRIBUTION FACTOR

The moment M applied at the joint is distributed to the members in a proportion that depends on the
stiffness of the member as seen from the joint. The moment distributed to each member at joint B is
MBA, MBC and MBD.
At the joint the sum of all the moments is zero so it follows MBA + MBC + MBD = M
The proportion of M distributed to a member is called the DISTRIBUTION FACTOR which we
will designate KD.
MBA = (KD) BAM MBC = (KD) BCM MBD = (KD) BDM
At a free end KD = 1 and at a rigidly fixed end KD = 0
CARRY OVER FACTOR

When a portion of M is distributed to a member, a moment is produced at the opposite end of the
member. The proportion of M at the opposite end is called the CARRY OVER FACTOR and we
will define it as KC.
Moment carried over = KC x M e.g. at A the moment is MA = (KC)A x MB
The derivation shows that when the other end is rigidly fixed KC = of the moment at the joint
end. When the other end is simply supported KC = 0 (no moment possible at a simple support or
pin joint).

D.J.Dunn 2009 www.freestudy.co.uk

APPLICATION TO BEAMS

The moment distribution method may be used to solve difficult problems that cannot be solved by
other means because there are too many unknowns (Indeterminate beam or structure).
In this tutorial we will only study beams with joints such
as the one shown. The beam is rigidly held at the wall C
and simply supported at A and B. There will be three
vertical reactions due to the point load F and the uniform
load w. These are too many unknowns to solve by normal
means.
We start be treating the beam as two parts AB and BC. It might be that the lengths AB and BC have
a different flexural stiffness EI and this can be accommodated in this method.
Next we clamp the end of each section rigidly so there is no deflection or rotation. This enables us
to tackle each section separately to begin.

When a joint is fixed there must be a fixing moment at each end MA, MB and MC.

Fa 2 b
Fb 2a
M A = 2 and M B = 2
It can be shown that for a single point load F
L
L
2
wL
wL2
And for a single uniformly distributed load w
and M B =
MA =
12
12
In this analysis, clockwise is positive and anticlockwise is negative which is consistent with the
other tutorials in the series where x is measured from the left and an upwards force causes sagging
which is always positive.
For any other combination of loading, the principle of superposition may be used. This principle
allows us to calculate the moments for each load separately and then add them together for the
combined affect. Click here for the derivation FIXING MOMENT
Since the joints are not in reality rigidly fixed, we now consider what happens if we release the
fixing clamps and restore the beam to its correct condition. The beam would take up its natural
position. In this example, the moment at A must be zero because it is a free end so a moment equal
and opposite of MA must be added and distributed at A. There will be a carry over to end B and we
should take this into consideration before balancing the joint B. Joint C is rigid so we do not need to
add a balancing moment and there is nothing to distribute. We calculate the imbalance at B and add
an equal and opposite moment to balance it and then distribute it. This would equalise the moment
at B but a fraction of the moment is carried over to the ends and this upsets the balance again so we
have to redistribute the moment again and again until the moment at a joint is balanced. A worked
example will explain it better.
D.J.Dunn 2009 www.freestudy.co.uk

WORKED EXAMPLE No. 1

Find the bending moment at A, B and C for the beam shown. The EI values are the same for
both sections.

First treat the beam as two separate sections with rigid ends.

CALCULATE FIXING MOMENTS and STIFFNESS FACTORS.

Fb 2a 150 x 103 x 12 x 1
MEMBER AB
MA = 2 =
= 37.5 x 103
L
22
Fa 2 b 150 x 103 x 12 x 1
MB = 2 =
= 37.5 x 103
2
L
2
Note that MB and MB are equal and opposite only because F is in the middle.
3EI
3EI
K BA =
=
= 1.5EI
L
2
wL2 15x103 x32
MEMBER CB
MB =
=
= 11.25 x 103
12
12
2
4EI
4EI
wL
MC =
= 11.25 x 103 K BC =
=
= 1.333EI
L
3
12
CALCULATE THE DISTRIBUTION FACTORS
1.5EI
K
At end B of BA KD = BA =
= 0.529 4
K 1.5EI 1.333EI
1.333EI
K BC
=
= 0.4706
K 1.5EI 1.333EI
Note 1 0.5294 is another way to get it.

At end B of BC

KD =

Calculate the CARRY OVER FACTOR

When a balancing moment is applied at a point, of the moment is carried over to the opposite
end unless the opposite end is free in which case it is zero. A rigid end does not carry over any
moment to the other end. If we released the joints that were fixed we have to add moments in
the opposite direction in order to balance them.

At the free end there should be no moment so we must add a moment of -37.5 kNm. At end C
there is no moment to be added and no carry over to B. We start by balancing point A.

D.J.Dunn 2009 www.freestudy.co.uk

Joint
KD
Fixing Moment (X)
Balance A&C (Y)
Carry over to B
Totals (X+Y)
Imbalance at B
Balance B
Distribute using KD
Carry Over
Total

A
0/1
37.5
-37.5
-37.5 x
0

Joint B
0.529
-37.5

0.471
11.25

-18.75
-56.25

0
11.25

Joint C
0/1
-11.25
-11.25 x 0
0
-11.25

-45
+45
0
0

23.805
23.805 x 0
-32.445

21.195
21.195 x 10.5975
32.445
-0.6525

At B we have achieved equal and opposite moments. The moment at A is zero, the moment at B
is 32.445 kNm and at the wall (C) 0.653 kNm.
This problem is in fact solvable with Macaulays method and this gives similar answers. We did
not need extra correction cycles in this problem.

D.J.Dunn 2009 www.freestudy.co.uk

WORKED EXAMPLE No. 2

Find the moments at A, B and C for the beam below. The section AB has an EI value twice that
of section BC.

CALCULATE FIXING MOMENTS and STIFFNESS FACTORS.

Fb 2a 200 x 103 x 22 x 1
MA = 2 =
= 88.888 x 103
MEMBER AB
2
L
3
2
Fa b 200 x 103 x 12 x 2
MB = 2 =
= 44.444 x 103
2
L
3
3(2EI)
6EI
=
= 2EI
K BA =
L
3
wL2 40x103 x 42
MEMBER CB
MB =
=
= 53.333 x 103
12
12
2
wL
4EI
4EI
MC =
= 53.333 x 103
K BC =
=
= EI
12
L
4
CALCULATE THE DISTRIBUTION FACTORS
2EI
K
At end B of BA KD = BA =
= 0.667
K 2EI 1EI
At end B of BC

KD =

K BC
1EI
=
= 0.333
K 2EI 1EI

Joint
KD
Fixing Moment (X)
Balance A (Y)
Carry over A to B
Totalise (X+Y)
Inbalance at B
Balance B
Distribute using KD
Carry Over
Total

Joint B
0.667
0.333
-44.444
53.333

88.889
-88.889
-88.889 x -44.444
0
-88.888

0
0

Joint C
-53.333

53.333
-53.333
-35.555
+35.555
23.716
11.84
23.716 x 0
11.84 x 5.92
-65.173
65.173
-47.413

At B we have achieved equal and opposite moments. The moment at A is zero, the moment at B
is 65.173 kNm and at the wall (C) -47.413 kNm. This problem is in fact solvable with
Macaulays method and this gives similar answers.

D.J.Dunn 2009 www.freestudy.co.uk

SELF ASSESSMENT EXERCISE No. 1

1. Solve the moments at A B and C for the beam shown. Section AB has an EI value three times
that of BC.

Answers 0, 34.4 kNm and 42.8 kNm

2. Repeat problem 1 if section BC has an EI value three times that of AB.
(Answers 0, 29.4 kNm and 45.3 kNm)
3. Solve the bending moment at the 3 supports for the beam shown.

Answers 1.81 kNm, 28.61 kNm and 0

Now we need to try harder problems with more than one joint. This requires more correction cycles.

D.J.Dunn 2009 www.freestudy.co.uk

WORKED EXAMPLE No. 3

Calculate the bending moment in the beam at A, B, C and D. The point loads at mid span. The
middle span (BC) has an EI value twice that of the other two spans.

CALCULATE FIXING MOMENTS and STIFFNESS FACTORS FOR B.

Fb 2a 20 x 103 x 2.52 x 2.5
MEMBER AB
MA = 2 =
= 12.5 x 103
2
L
5

Fa 2 b
20 x 103 x 2.52 x 2.5
M = 2 =
= 12.5 x 103
2
L
5
Note that MB and MB are equal and opposite only because F is in the middle.
3EI
3EI
K BA =
=
= 0.6EI
L
5
wL2 5 x103 x 52
MEMBER CB
MB =
=
= 10.417 x 103
12
12
2
wL
MC =
= 10.417 x 103
12
4(2EI)
8EI
K BC =
=
= 1.6EI
L
5
Note it is still rigidly fixed at C at this stage.
CALCULATE THE DISTRIBUTION FACTORS for B
0.6EI
K
At end B of BA KD = BA =
= 0.2727
K 0.6EI 1.6EI
At end B of BC

KD =

K BC
1.6EI
=
= 0.7273
K 1.6EI 0.6EI

CALCULATE FIXING MOMENTS and STIFFNESS FACTORS FOR C.

MEMBER BC
wL2 5 x103 x 52
MB =
=
= 10.417 x 103
12
12
2
wL
MC =
= 10.417 x 103
12
4(2EI)
8EI
K CB =
=
= 1.6EI
L
5
4EI
4EI
K CD =
=
= 0.8EI
L
5
Note both ends are rigid when C is released.

D.J.Dunn 2009 www.freestudy.co.uk

CALCULATE THE DISTRIBUTION FACTORS for C

1.6EI
K
At end C of BC KD = CB =
= 0.6667
K 1.6EI 0.8EI
At end C of CD

KD =

K CB
0.8EI
=
= 0.3333
K 1.6EI 0.8EI

MEMBER CD
Fb 2a 20 x 103 x 2.52 x 2.5
MC = 2 =
= 12.5 x 103
2
L
5
2
Fa b
20 x 103 x 2.52 x 2.5
MD = 2 =
= 12.5 x 103
2
L
5
Note that MB and MB are equal and opposite only because F is in the middle.
The following table shows the process of balancing and correcting until we get very close to
zero difference at B and C. This shows that the moments at A, BC and D are 0, 11.57 kNm,
10.19 kNm and 13.66 kNm. The table was produced using a spread sheet.

A
KD
Fix Mom
Balance A
Carry over
B
Total B
Difference
Balance B
Distribute B
Carry Over
Totals
Difference
Balance
Distribute
Carry Over
Total
Difference
Balance
Distribute
Carry Over
Total
Difference
Balance
Distribute
Carry Over
Total
Difference
Balance
Distribute
Carry Over
Total
Difference
Balance
Distribute
Carry Over
Total
Difference
Balance
Distribute
Carry Over
Total
Difference
Balance
Distribute
Carry Over
Total

14.7
-14.7
x 14.7

B
0.272727
-6.3

C
0.727273
8.333333

0.666667
-8.33333

D
0.333333
12.5

-12.5

12.5

12.5

-2.03333
x-2.03333
10.46667

-1.01667
-13.5167

-7.35
-13.65

8.333333
-5.31667
5.316667

0
0

1.45

3.866667

-12.2

12.2

1.933333
-6.4

0
0
0
0
0

0
-2.03333
10.16667

-12.2

0.554545

0
0
-11.5701

D.J.Dunn 2009 www.freestudy.co.uk

10.2202

-13.6399

-0.02987

-10.1903

10.19033

-0.01494
-13.6548

0
0
10.19033

11.57009

-13.6548

0
0.010863
-10.1795

0
0

-0.12323
-13.6399

0
0
0.021727

-11.5701

-0.24646
x -0.24646
10.2202

-0.05975

-0.02987
0.029875
0.008148

-13.5167

0.089624
-0.08962
0
-0.02987
11.54836

-11.5782

0
0

0.089624
-10.1306

0
0
0

10.46667

0
0
0.179247
x 0.179247
11.57824

-11.5782

0
0

-0.49293
x -0.49293
-10.2202

-0.24646
0.246465
0.067218

0.739394
-0.73939
0
-0.24646
11.39899

-11.6455

0
0

0
0.739394
-9.72727

0
0
0

0
0

0
0
1.478788
x 1.478
11.64545

-11.6455

0
0
0

-4.06667
x -4.06667
-10.4667

-2.03333
2.033333

6.1
-6.1

0.010863
-0.01086
0
-0.00362
11.56647

-0.00724

-0.00362

-10.1867

10.18671

-0.00181
-13.6566

SELF ASSESSMENT EXERCISE No. 2

Find the bending moments in the beams shown at A, B, C and D.

1.

Answers 0, 45.8 kN, 59 kN and 83 kN

Answers 0, 19.1 kN, 18 kN and 23.8 kN

D.J.Dunn 2009 www.freestudy.co.uk

10

FIXING MOMENTS

Fixing moments have been covered in the tutorial on deflection of beams under the heading
ENCASTR BEAMS.
A fixing moment is the moment at the end of a beam where it is rigidly fixed to prevent any
deflection or rotation. Finding them can be
quite complicated depending on the loading of
the beam. For those wishing to get to grips
with the derivation the following is given. Let
the beam span be designated A to B and the
moments at the ends MA and MB. There will
also be reactions RA and RB.
We shall use Macaulays method to solve the slope and deflection and start with the derivation for a
single point load.
POINT LOAD
The bending moment at distance x from the left end is
d2y
M = EI 2 = R A x F[x a ] M A
dx
dy
x 2 F[x a ]2
Integrate EI
= RA

MAx + A
dx
2
2
dy
=0
The slope at both ends is zero so
dx
Put x = 0 and A is zero.
2
2
dy
x
F[x a ]
x 3 F[x a ]3
x2
EI
= RA

M A x..............(1) Integrate again

EIy = R A

MA
+B
dx
2
2
6
6
2
Since the deflection is zero at both ends then putting y = 0 and x = 0 yields that B = 0
x 3 F[x a ]3
x2
EIy = R A

M A ..............(2)
6
6
2
(The constants of integration A and B are always zero for an encastr beam). Equations 1 and 2 give
the slope and deflection. Before they can be solved, the fixing moment must be found by using
another boundary condition. Remember the slope and deflection is zero at both ends of the beam so
we have two more boundary conditions to use.
A suitable condition is that y = 0 at x = L. From equation 2 this yields:L3 F[L a ]3 M A L2

and note that L a = b for simplicity

EI(0) = R A
6
6
2
R A L Fb3
L3 Fb3 M A L2
MA =
0 = RA

2
3
6
6
2
3L
We still have an unknown RA so using the other boundary condition that dy/dx = 0 when x = L then
from equation (2)
dy
L2 F[b]2
R L Fb3
EI
= 0 = RA

M A L and substitute M A = A 2
3
dx
2
2
3L
2
2
2
2
3
2
3
L F[b] R A L Fb
R L Fb
R L Fb
R L2 Fb 2 Fb3
0 = RA
A +
= A
+

2 L = A
2
2
2
2
3
3L
6
2
3L
3L
3
RA =

3Fb 2 2Fb3
3
L2
L

D.J.Dunn 2009 www.freestudy.co.uk

11

R A L Fb3
2
3
3L
2
3
3Fb
2Fb
2 3 L
L
L
Fb3 Fb 2 2Fb3 Fb3
MA =
2 =

3
L
3L
3L2 3L2
Fb 2 Fb3
MA =
2
L
L
2
Fb b Fb 2
Fb 2a
Fa 2 b
(
)

MA =
1
=

=
L
b
M
=

and
it
can
be
shown
that

B
L L L2
L2
L2

Substitute into M A =

UNIFORMLY DISTRIBUTED LOADS

A uniform load across the entire span will produce equal and opposite moments at either end of the
beam.
In this case the reactions are RA = RB = wL/2
The bending moment at distance x from the left end is :
d 2 y wLx wx 2
wx 2
d2y
M = EI 2 = R A x
M A EI 2 =

MA
2
2
2
dx
dx
dy wLx 2 wx 3
Integrate
EI
=

MAx + A
dx
4
6
dy
= 0 and x = 0 yields that A = 0
Since the slope is zero at both ends it then putting
dx
dy wLx 2 wx 3
wLx 3 wx 4 M A x 2
EI
=

M A x..............(1) Integrate again

EIy =

+B
2
dx
4
6
12
24
Since the deflection is zero at both ends then putting y = 0 and x = 0 yields that B = 0

wLx 3 wx 4 M A x 2
EIy =

..............(2)
12
24
2
As in the other case, A and B are zero but we must find the fixing moment by using the other
boundary condition of y = 0 when x = L
wL4 wL4 M A L2
EI(0) =

12
24
2
4
2
wL M A L
0=

24
2
2
wL
MA =
12
wL2
If we worked out MB we would get M B =
12

D.J.Dunn 2009 www.freestudy.co.uk

12

ROTATIONAL STIFFNESS and CARRY OVER

When a moment is applied to the end of a beam without any deflection, the end will rotate a small
angle . The ratio M/ is the stiffness and this depends on the values of E, I and L. It also depends
how the other end of the beam is fixed.
FIXED END
Consider a section of beam with a moment M at the left end and fixed rigidly at the right end. The
beam will deflect as shown.

The left end must not deflect so an upwards force R must be applied also. The bending moment any
distance x from the end is:d2y
M x = EI 2 = M Rx
dx
Integrate
dy
Rx 2
EI
= Mx
+ A but at x = L the slope is zero.
dx
2
RL2
RL2
A = ML +
0 = ML
+A
2
2
2
2
dy
Rx
RL
EI
= Mx
ML +
dx
2
2
Integrate again.
Mx 2 Rx 3
RL2 x
EIy =

MLx +
+B
2
6
2
The deflection at x = 0 must also be zero hence B = 0
The deflection at x = L is zero hence:ML2 RL3
RL3
0=

ML2 +
2
6
2
2
3
ML RL
3M
0=
+
hence R =
2
3
2L
The gradient at the end is the rotation and at x = 0 we have:RL2
3M
EI = ML +
substitute R =
2
2L
3ML
ML
EI = ML +
=
4
4
M
4EI
=
The rotational stiffness is hence

L
CARRY OVER FACTOR
At end B the moment is MB = - MA + R L
3M
M B = M A +
2
MA
MB =
2
The fraction is called the CARRY OVER FACTOR

D.J.Dunn 2009 www.freestudy.co.uk

13

SIMPLY SUPPORTED END

Consider a section of beam with a moment M at the left end and fixed rigidly at the right end. The
beam will deflect as shown.

The reaction at the support must be equal and opposite to R. It follows that M = RL
d2y
M
M x = EI 2 = M Rx = M - x
L
dx
Integrate
dy
Mx 2
EI
= Mx +A
dx
2L
Integrate again.
Mx 2 Mx 3
EIy =
+ Ax + B
2
6L
The deflection at x = 0 must be zero hence B = 0

Mx 2 Mx 3
+ Ax
EIy =
6L
2
The deflection at x = L is zero hence:ML2 ML3
0=
+ AL
2
6L
ML2 ML2
0=
+ AL
2
6
ML ML
0=
+A
2
6
ML
A=3
dy Mx 2 Mx 3 MLx
EI
=

dx
2
6L
3
The gradient at the end is the rotation and at x = 0 we have:ML
EI = 3
M
3EI
=
The rotational stiffness is hence

L
CARRY OVER FACTOR
The moment at the simply supported end is zero so the carry over factor is zero.

D.J.Dunn 2009 www.freestudy.co.uk

14

DISTRIBUTION FACTOR

The diagram shows three members AB,

DB and CB rigidly joined at B.
When a moment M is applied at B the
joint will twist an angler . The stiffness
of each member as seen from B is
M
=K

The moment distributed to each member is MBA, MBC and MBD. At the joint the sum of all the
moments is zero so it follows MBA + MBC + MBD = M
M BA
M BC
M BD
= (K )BA
= (K )BC
= (K )BD

M
M
M = (K )BA + (K )BC + (K )BD
= (K )BA + (K )BC + (K )BD Hence =

K
M BA = (K )BA and if we substitute M BA = M
Similarly M BC = M

(K )BC

and M BD = M

(K )BA

(K )BD

The moment is distributed to each member by the distribution factor K D =

MBA = (KD) BA M

MBC = (KD) BC M

MBD = (KD) BD M

At a free end, (e.g. C)

K
K CB
(K D ) = CB =
=1
K K CB + 0
At a rigidly fixed end (e.g. A)
K
K AB
(K D ) = AB =
=0
K K AB +

D.J.Dunn 2009 www.freestudy.co.uk

15

K
K