Moment distribution

The moment distribution method is a structural analysis method for statically indeterminate beams and frames developed by Hardy Cross and published in 1930 in an ASCE journal. The method only accounts for flexural effects and ignores axial and shear effects. In the moment distribution method, every joint of the structure to be analyzed is fixed so as to develop the fixed-end moments. Then each fixed joint is sequentially released and the fixed-end moments (which by the time of release are not in equilibrium) are distributed to adjacent members until equilibrium is achieved. The moment distribution method in mathematical terms can be demonstrated as the process of solving a set of simultaneous equations by means of iteration. The moment distribution method falls into the category of displacement method of structural analysis.