1.

Moment Distribution Method

Using the Moment Distribution Method, the bending moments will be calculated for the frame
shown in Figure 1. The findings will be checked against the formulae from (insert steel
manual reference). Once the findings have been checked, a bending moment diagram will be
provided.

Figure 1
According to .. (), the process of carrying out the moment distribution method, consists of
the following:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Calculate the fixed-end moments (FEM)

Find the relative stiffness
Calculate the distribution factors (DF)
Formulate a distribution table
Sketch a bending moment diagram

The findings have been calculated using the following formulas (insert reference), with the
numbers updated accordingly:
Fixed-end moments for built-in beams

Relative stiffness

1.1

Calculating fixed-end moments

*The FEM at joint AB &DC are zero as they carry no load.

2

FEM BC

WL2 6 ( 8 )
=
=32
12
12
2

+WL2 +6 ( 8 )
FEM CB
=
=+32
12
12
1.2

Calculating the relative stiffness

K AB

I
=0.3125 I
3.2

I
K BC =0.125 I
8
1.3

Calculating the distribution factors

D 1 F . AB

0.3125 I
0.3125
=
=0.714
0.3125 I + 0.125 I 0.4375

D 1 F . BC

0.125 I
0.125
=
=0.285
0.3125 I +0.125 I 0.4375

Therefore, the distribution factors are summarised as follows:

1.4

AB & DC = 0 (joints are locked)

BA & BC = 0.714 & 0.286 respectively
CB & CD = 0.714 & 0.286 respectively
Distribution table

1.5

Checking against the formula in reading 2.1

K=

H 3.2
= =0.53
L
6

N 1=k +2 =2.4
N 2=6 k +1 =3.4

Moment MA

Moment MB
1.6

6 ( 8 )2
WL2
384
=
=
=13.33
12 N 1 12 x 2.4 28.8

6 ( 8 )2 384
WL2
=
=
=26.6
6 N 1 6 x 2.4 28.8

Bending Moment Diagram

Bending moment at mid-span for an unrestrained beam:

2
2
WL 6(8)
BM =
=
=48
8
8