Analysis of Rigid

14

supporting proof for the sake of brevity in the following. For complete
discussion and various refinements of the method see: "Analysis of Con
tinuous Frames by Distributing Fixed-End Moments" by Hardy Cross,
Transactions of A.S.C.E., Vol. 96, pp. 1-156.
Assume that the joints, a, b, c and d in Fig. 6, are temporarily locked
(prevented from rotating) and determine the fixed end moments (the
moments induced by the external forces, Pu P2 and Ps, at the ends of
the fixed members, ab, bc and cd). Coefficients for fixed end moments
can be selected from Chart II,* page 15.
Suppose joint b only is now released (permitted to rotate). The fixed
end moments at b will not balance each other except by coincidence, and
the unbalanced moment (the difference between the fixed end moments)
will rotate the joint as indicated in Fig. 6. The rotation following the
release of joint b induces distributed moments (counteracting the rotation)
in bc and ba. The laws of equilibrium require that the algebraic sum of
the unbalanced mo
,
ment and the dis-

tributed moments

_M

equal zero. Further

more, the unbalanced
moment must be prorated to bc and ba
in accordance
with

Rifl"'

.F

M-AII
J

0*

joints

Joint

locked
released

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their stiffness, the

stiffness being defined
p.,g
as the moment required in each mem
ber to give it a unit rotation at b if b is hinged and the far end fixed. It
can be shown that the stiffness is expressed by SXl/L, in which is the
moment of inertia and L the length of the member. S is a stiffness coeffi
S equals 4 for mem
cient that varies with the contours of the member.
bers with far end fixed and constant moment of inertia. For members
having variable moment of inertia, values of S may be selected from
and III. The distributed moments can now be calculated since
Charts
their sum and relative values are known.

II

Joint b is now re-locked in its new position while c is released and its
unbalanced moment is distributed. Joints a and d must also be released
and balanced if they are actually hinged supports, but temporarily con
This completes the first cycle of distributing unbalanced
sidered locked.
moments.

It is seen by inspection of Fig. 6 that the release and rotation of b

induce moments at the opposite ends of ba and bc. The moment induced
at the fixed end of a member by a rotation of the opposite end is called a
For other coefficients

applicable to the moment distribution method see "Handbook of Frame Constants."