Simplified "moment distribution method"

Moment Distribution Method was modified so that simple techniques applicable to symmetrical and anti-symmetrical frames may be applied to non-symmetrical rigid frames consisting of prismatic members. This approach simplifies considerably the calculations.

Using the above approach, two different "Simplified Moment Distribution Methods" were introduced. Method No. l, an “exact” method, makes it possible to execute moment distribution in a single cycle. The “exact" values of the unknown moments are obtained by solving a set of simultaneous equations. This method is applicable to single-bay frames having an arbitrary number of stories. In the solution there is one unknown moment and one equation for each story.

Method No. 2 simplifies the analysis of multiple-bay, multiple-story frames. It is a modified version of the standard moment distribution. Only half of the total number of joints has to be considered in this analysis and the convergence of the iteration process is accelerated.

The presentation of the theory is preceded by the definition of a set of modified constants pertinent to the two methods. Illustrative examples for the analysis of single-bay as well as multiple-bay frames are included.