Moment distribution
Moment distribution method was developed by Hardy Cross to solve the problems of Indeterminate Structures. In this method all the joints are considered locked (restrained) in the beginning and the fixed end moments are determined at each joint. The stiffness coefficients are calculated which in turn determine the distribution factors for different members connected at a joint.
- The next step is to release the locked joint and allow it to rotate (if not fixed in reality) and distribute that fixed-end-moment to the members connected at that joint in the proportion of distribution factors; this step is known as balancing of joint. This process continues till all the joints are balanced. When we unlock and joint and apply the balancing moment at that joint half of the moment will be developed at the far end which is known as carry-over moment. These cycle of balancing and carry-over continue till a desired accuracy is achieved at all the joint. This can be easily understood with the help of solved example[1]