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Chapter
4
Slope Deflection and
Moment Distribution
Method

67

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Slope – Deflection Method

As pointed out earlier, there are two distinct methods of analysis for statically
indeterminate structures depending on how equations of equilibrium, load
displacement and compatibility conditions are satisfied: 1) force method of
analysis and (2) displacement method of analysis. In the last module, force
method of analysis was discussed. In this module, the displacement method of
analysis will be discussed. In the force method of analysis, primary unknowns are
forces and compatibility of displacements is written in terms of pre -selected
redundant reactions and flexibility coefficients using force displacement relations.
Solving these equations, the unknown redundant reactions are evaluated. The
remaining reactions are obtained from equations of equilibrium.
As the name itself suggests, in the displacement method of analysis, the primary
unknowns are displacements. Once the structural model is defined for the
problem, the unknowns are automatically chosen unlike the force method. Hence
this method is more suitable for computer implementation. In the displacement
method of analysis, first equilibrium equations are satisfied. The equilibrium of
forces is written by expressing the unknown joint displacements in terms of load
by using load displacement relations. These equilibrium equations are solved for
unknown joint displacements. In the next step, the unknown reactions are
computed from compatibility equations using force displacement relations. In
displacement method, three methods which are closely related to each other will
be discussed.

1) Slope-Deflection Method
2) Moment Distribution Method
3) Direct Stiffness Method

In this module first two methods are discussed and direct stiffness method is
treated in the next module. All displacement methods follow the above general
procedure. The Slope-deflection and moment distribution methods were
extensively used for many years before the compute era. After the revolution
occurred in the field of computing only direct stiffness method is preferred.

Degrees of freedom
In the displacement method of analysis, primary unknowns are joint
displacements which are commonly referred to as the degrees of freedom of the
structure. It is necessary to consider all the independent degrees of freedom
while writing the equilibrium equations.These degrees of freedom are specified at
supports, joints and at the free ends. For example, a propped cantilever beam
(see Fig.14.01a) under the action of load P will undergo only rotation at B if axial
deformation is neglected. In this case kinematic degree of freedom of the beam is
only one i.e. θB as shown in the figure.

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In Fig.14.01b, we have nodes at A,B,C and D. Under the action of lateral loads
P1, P2 and P3 , this continuous beam deform as shown in the figure. Here axial
deformations are neglected. For this beam we have five degrees of freedom θA
,θB ,θC , θD and D as indicated in the figure. In Fig.14.02a, a symmetrical plane
frame is loaded symmetrically. In this case we have only two degrees of
freedomθB andθC . Now consider a frame as shown in Fig.14.02b. It has three
degrees of freedom viz. θB ,θC and D as shown. Under the action of horizontal
and vertical load, the frame will be displaced as shown in the figure. It is
observed that nodes at B and C undergo rotation and also get displaced
horizontally by an equal amount.

Hence in plane structures, each node can have at the most one linear
displacement and one rotation. In this module first slope-deflection equations as
applied to beams and rigid frames will be discussed.

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Instructional Objectives
After reading this chapter the student will be able to
1. Calculate kinematic degrees of freedom of continuous beam.
2. Derive slope-deflection equations for the case beam with unyielding supports.
3. Differentiate between force method and displacement method of analyses.
4. State advantages of displacement method of analysis as compared to force
method of analysis.
5. Analyse continuous beam using slope-deflection method.

14.1 Introduction
In this lesson the slope-deflection equations are derived for the case of a beam
with unyielding supports .In this method, the unknown slopes and deflections at
nodes are related to the applied loading on the structure. As introduced earlier,
the slope-deflection method can be used to analyze statically determinate and
indeterminate beams and frames. In this method it is assumed that all
deformations are due to bending only. In other words deformations due to axial
forces are neglected. As discussed earlier in the force method of analysis
compatibility equations are written in terms of unknown reactions. It must be
noted that all the unknown reactions appear in each of the compatibility
equations making it difficult to solve resulting equations. The slope-deflection
equations are not that lengthy in comparison.
The slope-deflection method was originally developed b y Heinrich Manderla and
Otto Mohr for computing secondary stresses in trusses. The method as used
today was presented by G.A.Maney in 1915 for analyzing rigid jointed structures.

14.2 Slope-Deflection Equations

Consider a typical span of a continuous beam AB as shown in Fig.14.1.The beam
has constant flexural rigidity EI and is subjected to uniformly distributed loading
and concentrated loads as shown in the figure. The beam is kinematically
indeterminate to second degree. In this lesson, the slope-deflection equations are
derived for the simplest case i.e. for the case of continuous beams with
unyielding supports. In the next lesson, the support settlements are included in
the slope-deflection equations.

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For this problem, it is required to derive relation between the joint end moments
M AB and M BA in terms of joint rotations θA and θB and loads acting on the
beam .Two subscripts are used to denote end moments. For example, end
moments MAB denote moment acting at joint A of the member AB. Rotations of the
tangent to the elastic curve are denoted by one subscript. Thus, θA denotes
the rotation of the tangent to the elastic curve at A. The following sign
conventions are used in the slope-deflection equations (1) Moments acting at the
ends of the member in counterclockwise direction are taken to be positive. (2)
The rotation of the tangent to the elastic curve is taken to be positive when the
tangent to the elastic curve has rotated in the counterclockwise direction from its
original direction. The slope-deflection equations are derived by superimposing
the end moments developed due to (1) applied loads (2) rotation θA (3)
rotationθB . This is shown in Fig.14.2 (a)-(c). In Fig. 14.2(b) a kinematically
determinate structure is obtained. This condition is obtained by modifying the support
conditions to fixed so that the unknown joint rotations become zero. The structure shown
in Fig.14.2 (b) is known as kinematically determinate structure or restrained structure.
F F
For this case, the end moments are denoted by M AB and M BA .
The fixed end moments are evaluated by force–method of analysis as discussed
in the previous module. For example for fixed- fixed beam subjected to uniformly
distributed load, the fixed-end moments are shown in Fig.14.3.

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The fixed end moments are required for various load cases. For ease of calculations,
fixed end forces for various load cases are given at the end of this lesson. In the
actual structure end A rotates by θA and end B rotates by θB . Now it is required to
derive a relation relating θA and θB with the end moments M ′AB and
M ′BA . Towards this end, now consider a simply supported beam acted by
moment M AB′ at A as shown in Fig. 14.4. The end moment M AB′ deflects the
beam as shown in the figure. The rotations θA′and θB′are calculated from
moment-area theorem.
′
MABL

θA ′ = 3EI (14.1a)
′
MABL

θB ′ = − 6EI (14.1b)

Now a similar relation may be derived if only M BA′is acting at end B (see Fig.
14.4).
′
MBAL

θB′′ = 3EI and (14.2a)

′
θA′′ = − MBAL
(14.2b)
6EI

Now combining these two relations, we could relate end moments acting at A
and B to rotations produced at A and B as (see Fig. 14.2c)

M' L M' L
AB BA

θA = 3EI − 6EI (14.3a)

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′ ′
(14.3b)
M L M L

θB = −
BA BA

3EI 6EI
′ ′
Solving for M A B and BA in terms of θA and θB ,
2EI
M ′AB = L (2θA + θB ) (14.4)
′ 2EI
M
BA = L (2θB +θA ) (14.5)

Now writing the equilibrium equation for joint moment at A (see Fig. 14.2).

F
M AB = M AB + M ′A B (14.6a)

Similarly writing equilibrium equation for joint B

F ′
BA BA BA (14.6b)
′
Substituting the value of M AB from equation (14.4) in equation (14.6a) one
obtains,

F 2EI
M AB = M AB + L (2θA +θB ) (14.7a)

′
Similarly substituting M B A from equation (14.6b) in equation (14.6b) one obtains,
F 2EI
M BA = M BA + L (2θB +θA ) (14.7b)

Sometimes one end is referred to as near end and the other end as the far end.
In that case, the above equation may be stated as the internal moment at the
near end of the span is equal to the fixed end moment at the near end due to
2 EI
external loads plus L times the sum of twice the slope at the near end and the
slope at the far end. The above two equations (14.7a) and (14.7b) simply
referred to as slope–deflection equations. The slope-deflection equation is
nothing but a load displacement relationship.

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14.3 Application of Slope-Deflection Equations to

Statically Indeterminate Beams.
The procedure is the same whether it is applied to beams or frames. It may
be summarized as follows:
1. Identify all kinematic degrees of freedom for the given problem. This can
be done by drawing the deflection shape of the structure. All degrees of
freedom are treated as unknowns in slope-deflection method.
2. Determine the fixed end moments at each end of the span to applied load.
The table given at the end of this lesson may be used for this purpose.
3. Express all internal end moments in terms of fixed end moments and near
end, and far end joint rotations by slope-deflection equations.
4. Write down one equilibrium equation for each unknown joint rotation. For
example, at a support in a continuous beam, the sum of all moments
corresponding to an unknown joint rotation at that support must be zero.
Write down as many equilibrium equations as there are unknown joint
rotations.
5. Solve the above set of equilibrium equations for joint rotations.
6. Now substituting these joint rotations in the slope-deflection equations
evaluate the end moments.
7. Determine all rotations.

Example 14.1
A continuous beam ABC is carrying uniformly distributed load of 2 kN/m in
addition to a concentrated load of 20 kN as shown in Fig.14.5a. Draw bending
moment and shear force diagrams. Assume EI to be constant.

(a). Degrees of freedom

It is observed that the continuous beam is kinematically indeterminate to first
degree as only one joint rotation θB is unknown. The deflected shape /elastic

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curve of the beam is drawn in Fig.14.5b in order to identify degrees of freedom.

By fixing the support or restraining the support B against rotation, the fixed-fixed
beams area obtained as shown in Fig.14.5c.

F F F F
(b). Fixed end moments M AB , M BA , M BC and M CB are calculated referring to the
Fig. 14. and following the sign conventions that counterclockwise moments
are positive.
F 2 2
M =2×6 + 20 × 3 × 3 = 21 kN . m
AB 12 6
F
MBA = −21 kN.m
F 2
MB C = 4 ×4 =5.33 kN.m
12
F
MCB = −5.33 kN.m (1)
(c) Slope-deflection equations
Since ends A and C are fixed, the rotation at the fixed supports is zero, θA =θC
= 0 . Only one non-zero rotation is to be evaluated for this problem. Now,
write slope-deflection equations for span AB and BC.

F
2EI
M AB = M AB + l (2θA +θB )

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2EI
M AB = 21 + θB (2)
6

M B A = −21 + 2EI (2θB +θA )

l

M B A = −21 + 4EI θB (3)

6

M BC = 5.33 + EIθB (4)

MCB = −5.33 + 0.5EIθB (5)

(d) Equilibrium equations

In the above four equations (2-5), the member end moments are expressed in
terms of unknown rotation θB . Now, the required equation to solve for the rotation
θB is the moment equilibrium equation at support B. The free body diagram
of support B along with the support moments acting on it is shown in Fig.
14.5d. For, moment equilibrium at support B , one must have,

∑M B = 0 M BA + M BC = 0 (6)

Substituting the values of M B A and M B C in the above equilibrium equation,

4EI
− 21 + θB +5.33 + EIθB = 0
6
⇒1. 667θB EI =15.667

θB = 9.398 ≅ 9.40 (7)

EI EI
(e) End moments
After evaluatingθB , substitute it in equations (2-5) to evaluate beam end
moments. Thus,

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M EI
AB
= 21 + θB
3
M EI 9.398
AB = 21 + × = 24.133kN.m
3 EI

M EI
BA
= −21 + 3 (2θB )
M EI 2 × 9. 4
BA
×
= −21 + 3 EI = −14.733kN.m
M 9. 4
B C

= 5.333 + EI EI =14.733kN.m
M 9. 4 EI
CB
= − 5.333 + × = −0.63 kN.m (8)
EI 2
(f) Reactions
Now, reactions at supports are evaluated using equilibrium equations (vide
Fig. 14.5e)

RA ×6 +14.733 −20 ×3 −2 ×6 ×3 −24.133 = 0

RA = 17.567 kN(↑)
RBL = 16 − 1.567 = 14.433 kN(↑)
R=8 + = 11.526 kN(↑ )
BR
4

RC = 8 + 3.526 = 4.47 kN(↑) (9)

The shear force and bending moment diagrams are shown in Fig. 14.5f.

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Example 14.2
Draw shear force and bending moment diagram for the continuous beam ABCD
loaded as shown in Fig.14.6a.The relative stiffness of each span of the beam is
also shown in the figure.

For the cantilever beam portion CD, no slope-deflection equation need to be

written as there is no internal moment at end D. First, fixing the supports at B and
C, calculate the fixed end moments for span AB and BC. Thus,

M
F 3 ×82 =16 kN.m
AB =
12
F
M BA = −16 kN. m

F 2
M = 10× 3 ×3 = 7.5 kN.m

BC 62
F
MC B = −7.5 kN.m (1)

In the next step write slope-deflection equation. There are two equations for
each span of the continuous beam.

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2EI
M AB =16 + (θB ) =16 + 0.25θB EI
8
M BA = −16 + 0.5θB EI
2 ×2EI
M B C = 7. 5 + 6 (2θB + θC ) = 7.5 +1. 334E IθB + 0. 667EI θC
MCB = −7.5 +1.334EIθC +0.667EIθB (2)

Equilibrium equations
The free body diagram of members AB , BC and joints B and C are shown in
Fig.14.6b.One could write one equilibrium equation for each joint B and C.

Support B,

∑MB = 0 M BA + M BC = 0 (3)

∑MC = 0 M CB + M CD = 0 (4)

We know that MCD =15 kN.m (5)

⇒ MCB = −15 kN.m (6)

Substituting the values of MCB and MCD in the above equations

for M AB , M B A , M BC and M CB we get,

θB = 24.5 =8.164
3.001

θC = 9.704 (7)

Substituting θB ,θC in the slope-deflection equations, we get

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M 8.164
AB
= 16 + 0.25 EI θ B = 16 + 0.25EI × EI =18.04 kN.m
M 8.164
BA
= −16 + 0.5EI θ B = − 16 + 0.5EI × EI = −11.918 kN.m
8. 164 9. 704
BC = 7.5 + 1.334EI × +0.667EI( ) =11.918 kN.m
EI EI
M 8. 164 9.704
CB = −7.5 + 0.667 EI × + 1.334E I(− ) = −15 kN.m (8)
EI EI
Reactions are obtained from equilibrium equations (ref. Fig. 14.6c)

RA ×8 −18.041−3×8 ×4 +11.918 = 0

RA =12.765 kN

RBR = 5 − 0.514kN = 4.486 kN

RBL =11.235 kN

RC = 5 + 0.514kN =5.514 kN

The shear force and bending moment diagrams are shown in Fig. 14.6d.

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For ease of calculations, fixed end forces for various load cases are given in Fig.
14.7.

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Summary
In this lesson the slope-deflection equations are derived for beams with
unyielding supports. The kinematically indeterminate beams are analysed by
slope-deflection equations. The advantages of displacement method of analysis
over force method of analysis are clearly brought out here. A couple of examples
are solved to illustrate the slope-deflection equations.

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Module
3
Analysis of Statically
Indeterminate
Structures by the
Displacement Method

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Lesson
18
The Moment-
Distribution Method:
Introduction

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Instructional Objectives
After reading this chapter the student will be able to
1. Calculate stiffness factors and distribution factors for various members in
a continuous beam.
2. Define unbalanced moment at a rigid joint.
3. Compute distribution moment and carry-over moment.
4. Derive expressions for distribution moment, carry-over moments.
5. Analyse continuous beam by the moment-distribution method.

18.1 Introduction
In the previous lesson we discussed the slope-deflection method. In slope-
deflection analysis, the unknown displacements (rotations and translations) are
related to the applied loading on the structure. The slope -deflection method
results in a set of simultaneous equations of unknown displacements. The
number of simultaneous equations will be equal to the number of unknowns to be
evaluated. Thus one needs to solve these simultaneous equations to obtain
displacements and beam end moments. Today, simultaneous equations could be
solved very easily using a computer. Before the advent of electronic computing,
this really posed a problem as the number of equations in the case of multistory
building is quite large. The moment-distribution method proposed by Hardy Cross
in 1932, actually solves these equations by the method of successive
approximations. In this method, the results may be obtained to any desired
degree of accuracy. Until recently, the moment-distribution method was very
popular among engineers. It is very simple and is being used even today for
preliminary analysis of small structures. It is still being taught in the classroom for
the simplicity and physical insight it gives to the analyst even though stiffness
method is being used more and more. Had the computers not emerged on the
scene, the moment-distribution method could have turned out to be a very
popular method. In this lesson, first moment-distribution method is developed for
continuous beams with unyielding supports.

18.2 Basic Concepts

In moment-distribution method, counterclockwise beam end moments are taken
as positive. The counterclockwise beam end moments produce clockwise
moments on the joint Consider a continuous beam ABCD as shown in Fig.18.1a.
In this beam, ends A and D are fixed and hence,θ A =θD = 0 .Thus, the
deformation of this beam is completely defined by rotations θB and θ C at joints B
and C respectively. The required equation to evaluate θB and θC is obtained by
considering equilibrium of joints B and C. Hence,

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∑M B = 0 ⇒ M BA + M BC = 0 (18.1a)
∑M C = 0 ⇒ M CB + M CD = 0 (18.1b)

According to slope-deflection equation, the beam end moments are written as

F 2 EI AB
M BA = M BA + L (2θB )
AB
4EI AB
is known as stiffness factor for the beam AB and it is denoted
AB
F
by k AB . M BA is the fixed end moment at joint B of beam AB when joint B is fixed.
Thus,
F
M BA = M BA + K ABθB
F θC
M =M +K
BC BC BC θ B +
2

F +K θ θB
M =M CB C +
CB CB
2

=M
F +K θ
M CD C
CD CD (18.2)
In Fig.18.1b, the counterclockwise beam-end moments M BA and M BC produce a
clockwise moment M B on the joint as shown in Fig.18.1b. To start with, in
moment-distribution method, it is assumed that joints are locked i.e. joints are
prevented from rotating. In such a case (vide Fig.18.1b),
θB =θC = 0 , and hence

F
M =M
BA BA
F
M =M
BC BC
F
M =M
CB CB
F
M =M
CD CD (18.3)
Since joints B and C are artificially held locked, the resultant moment at joints B
and C will not be equal to zero. This moment is denoted by M B and is known as
the unbalanced moment.

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Thus,
F F
M B = M BA + M BC

In reality joints are not locked. Joints B and C do rotate under external loads.
When the joint B is unlocked, it will rotate under the action of unbalanced
moment M B . Let the joint B rotate by an angleθB1 , under the action of M B .
This will deform the structure as shown in Fig.18.1d and introduces distributed
d d
M M
moment BA , BC in the span BA and BC respectively as shown in the figure.
The unknown distributed moments are assumed to be positive and hence act in
counterclockwise direction. The unbalanced moment is the algebraic sum of the
fixed end moments and act on the joint in the clockwise direction. The
unbalanced moment restores the equilibrium of the joint B. Thus,

∑M B = 0, d d
M BA + M BC + M B = 0 (18.4)

The distributed moments are related to the rotation θB1 by the slope-deflection
equation.

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d
M =K θ
BA BA B1

d
M BC = K BCθB1 (18.5)
Substituting equation (18.5) in (18.4), yields

θ B1 ( K BA + K BC )= −M B

θ =− M B
B 1 K BA + K BC
In general,

MB
θ K
B1 = −
∑ (18.6)
where summation is taken over all the members meeting at that particular joint.
Substituting the value of θB1 in equation (18.5), distributed moments are
calculated. Thus,
K
BA
d

M K
BA = −∑ MB
K
BC
K
MBC
d
=− ∑ MB (18.7)
K
The ratio ∑ BA
K is known as the distribution factor and is represented by DFBA .
Thus,
d
M BA = −DFBA. M B

d
M BC = −DFBC. M B (18.8)
The distribution moments developed in a member meeting at B, when the joint B
is unlocked and allowed to rotate under the action of unbalanced moment M B is
equal to a distribution factor times the unbalanced moment with its sign reversed.

As the joint B rotates under the action of the unbalanced moment, beam end
moments are developed at ends of members meeting at that joint and are known
as distributed moments. As the joint B rotates, it bends the beam and beam end
moments at the far ends (i.e. at A and C) are developed. They are known as
carry over moments. Now consider the beam BC of continuous beam ABCD.

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When the joint B is unlocked, joint C is locked .The joint B rotates by θB1 under

the action of unbalanced moment M B (vide Fig. 18.1e). Now from slope-
deflection equations

M d =K θ
BC BC B

M 1K θ
BC
= 2 BC B
M 1
CB d
= 2 MB C (18.9)

The carry over moment is one half of the distributed moment and has the same
sign. With the above discussion, we are in a position to apply moment-
distribution method to statically indeterminate beam. Few problems are solved
here to illustrate the procedure. Carefully go through the first problem, wherein
the moment-distribution method is explained in detail.

Example 18.1

A continuous prismatic beam ABC (see Fig.18.2a) of constant moment of inertia

is carrying a uniformly distributed load of 2 kN/m in addition to a concentrated
load of 10 kN. Draw bending moment diagram. Assume that supports are
unyielding.

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Solution
Assuming that supports B and C are locked, calculate fixed end moments
developed in the beam due to externally applied load. Note that counterclockwise
moments are taken as positive.
wL2 2 ×9
M ABF = AB = =1.5 kN.m
12 12
2
F wL A B 2 ×9
M
BA = − 12 = − 12= −1.5 kN .m
2
F Pab 10 × 2 ×4
M
BC = 2 =
LBC 16 = 5 kN.m
2
F Pa b 10× 2 ×4
M 2
CB =− L =− 16 = −5 kN.m (1)
BC

Before we start analyzing the beam by moment-distribution method, it is

required to calculate stiffness and distribution factors.

4EI
K BA =
3

4EI
KBC=
4

At B: ∑K = 2.333EI
1.333EI
DF =
BA 2.333EI = 0.571

EI
DF =
BC 2.333EI = 0.429

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At C: ∑K = EI
DFCB =1.0

Note that distribution factor is dimensionless. The sum of distribution factor at a

joint, except when it is fixed is always equal to one. The distribution moments are
developed only when the joints rotate under the action of unbalanced moment. In
the case of fixed joint, it does not rotate and hence no distribution moments are
developed and consequently distribution factor is equal to zero.
In Fig.18.2b the fixed end moments and distribution factors are shown on a
working diagram. In this diagram B and C are assumed to be locked.

Now unlock the joint C. Note that joint C starts rotating under the unbalanced
moment of 5 kN.m (counterclockwise) till a moment of -5 kN.m is developed
(clockwise) at the joint. This in turn develops a beam end moment of +5 kN.m
(M CB ). This is the distributed moment and thus restores equilibr ium. Now joint C
is relocked and a line is drawn below +5 kN.m to indicate equilibrium. When joint
C rotates, a carry over moment of +2.5 kN.m is developed at the B end of
member BC.These are shown in Fig.18.2c.

When joint B is unlocked, it will rotate under an unbalanced moment equal to

algebraic sum of the fixed end moments(+5.0 and -1.5 kN.m) and a carry over
moment of +2.5 kN.m till distributed moments are developed to restore
equilibrium. The unbalanced moment is 6 kN.m. Now the distributed moments M
BC and M BA are obtained by multiplying the unbalanced moment with the
corresponding distribution factors and reversing the sign. Thus,

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M BC = −2.574 kN.m and M BA = −3.426 kN.m. These distributed moments restore

the equilibrium of joint B. Lock the joint B. This is shown in Fig.18.2d along with
the carry over moments.

Now, it is seen that joint B is balanced. However joint C is not balanced due to
the carry over moment -1.287 kN.m that is developed when the joint B is allowed
to rotate. The whole procedure of locking and unlocking the joints C and B
successively has to be continued till both joints B and C are balanced
simultaneously. The complete procedure is shown in Fig.18.2e.

The iteration procedure is terminated when the change in beam end moments is
less than say 1%. In the above problem the convergence may be improved if we
leave the hinged end C unlocked after the first cycle. This will be discussed in the
next section. In such a case the stiffness of beam BC gets modified. The above
calculations can also be done conveniently in a tabular form as shown in Table
18.1. However the above working method is preferred in this course.

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Table 18.1 Moment-distribution for continuous beam ABC

Joint A B C
Member AB BA BC CB
Stiffness 1.333EI 1.333EI EI EI
Distribution 0.571 0.429 1.0
factor
FEM in +1.5 -1.5 +5.0 -5.0
kN.m
Balance +2.5 +5.0
joints C ,B -1.713 -3.426 -2.579 0
and C.O.
-4.926 +4.926 -1.287
Balance C +0.644 1.287
and C.O.
Balance B -0.368 -0.276 -0.138
and C.O.
Balance C -0.184 -5.294 +5.294 0.138
C.O. +0.069 0
Balance B -0.02 -0.039 -0.030 -0.015
and C.O.
Balance C +0.015
Balanced -0.417 -5.333 +5.333 0
moments in
kN.m

Modified stiffness factor when the far end is hinged

As mentioned in the previous example, alternate unlocking and locking at the
hinged joint slows down the convergence of moment-distribution method. At the
hinged end the moment is zero and hence we could allow the hinged joint C in
the previous example to rotate freely after unlocking it first time. This
necessitates certain changes in the stiffness parameters. Now consider beam
ABC as shown in Fig.18.2a. Now if joint C is left unlocked then the stiffness of
member BC changes. When joint B is unlocked, it will rotate by θB1 under the
action of unbalanced moment M B .The support C will also rotate by θC1 as it is
free to rotate. However, moment M CB = 0 . Thus
K
BC
M C B = K BC θC + 2 θB (18.7)
But, M CB = 0
θB
⇒ θC = − 2 (18.8)
Now, K
M =K θ + BC
BC BC B θC (18.9)
2

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Substituting the value of θC in eqn. (18.9),

BC 3K θ
M =K θ − θ = BC B
BC BC B 4 B 4 (18.10)
R
M BC = K BC θB (18.11)
R 3K
BC
The K BC is known as the reduced stiffness factor and is equal to 4
.Accordingly distribution factors also get modified. It must be noted that there is
no carry over to joint C as it was left unlocked.

Example 18.2
Solve the previous example by making the necessary modification for hinged end
C.

Fixed end moments are the same. Now calculate stiffness and distribution
factors.

3
K BA =1.333EI, K BC = EI = 0.75EI
4
Joint B: ∑K = 2.083, DB A
F F
= 0.64 , DBC = 0.36

Joint C: ∑K = 0.75EI, DC B
F
=1.0
All the calculations are shown in Fig.18.3a

Please note that the same results as obtained in the previous example are
obtained here in only one cycle. All joints are in equilibrium when they are
unlocked. Hence we could stop moment-distribution iteration, as there is no
unbalanced moment anywhere.

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Example 18.3
Draw the bending moment diagram for the continuous beam ABCD loaded as
shown in Fig.18.4a.The relative moment of inertia of each span of the beam is
also shown in the figure.

Solution
Note that joint C is hinged and hence stiffness factor BC gets modified. Assuming
that the supports are locked, calculate fixed end moments. They are
F
M AB =16 kN.m
F
MBA = −16 kN.m
F
MBC = 7.5 kN.m
F
MCB = −7.5 kN.m , and
F
MCD =15 kN.m

In the next step calculate stiffness and distribution factors

4EI
KBA= 8
3 8EI
KBC=
4 6

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K = 8IE

CB
6
At joint B:

∑K = 0.5EI +1.0EI =1.5EI

F 0.5 EI
DBA = 1.5 EI = 0.333

F 1.0 EI
DBC = 1.5 EI = 0.667
At C:
F
∑K = EI, DCB =1.0
Now all the calculations are shown in Fig.18.4b

This problem has also been solved by slope-deflection method (see

example 14.2).The bending moment diagram is shown in Fig.18.4c.

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