From Metal Hulls to Metal Buildings

By Jim Romeo

When Lee Shoemaker grew wary of his career path in the cyclical shipbuilding industry, he sat down and wrote a letter to a former professor at Duke University. That missive would eventually change his career path and focus as a professional engineer, not to mention his title. He now goes by Dr. Lee Shoemaker and serves as the director of research and engineering for the Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA). An interesting journey brought him to such a position. 

Upon receiving his first degree from Duke University, Shoemaker went to work for Avondale Shipyards in New Orleans, Louisiana. There, he utilized his engineering acumen and finite element analysis skills in structural steel design. "It was very interesting work to do finite element analysis and then go out in the shipyard and see the fabrication and construction of my designs take shape," he says. 

While at Avondale, Shoemaker attended graduate school in engineering at Tulane University. "It tied a lot together for me," he explains. "I'd study advanced steel design at night and apply that knowledge at work the next day. It also was good preparation for the P.E. exam I was planning to take."

It was during this time that Shoemaker wrote to a former professor at Duke University. The professor convinced him to return to Duke, matriculate for his doctorate in civil engineering, and teach while he studied.

Upon completing the program at Duke and attaining his doctorate, Shoemaker received offers from several universities to teach civil engineering. He chose Auburn University, deep in the rolling hills of eastern Alabama. He enjoyed teaching and eagerly volunteered to teach new courses where he could develop the curriculum as he taught. It fulfilled his quest to continually learn and research. His civil engineering students enjoyed it as well, as they voted for him to receive a teaching award. In addition to teaching structural design, he conducted research that included work on the Hubble Telescope for NASA and other structural projects for the Alabama Department of Transportation.

But after achieving tenure at Auburn, Shoemaker, yearned to apply his theoretical knowledge to the practical kind and made yet another career move, again back to the world of structural design and engineering. This time, he became the chief engineer and vice president of manufacturing at Cornell Crane Manufacturing in Woodbury, New Jersey, a firm that developed complex tower cranes for high-rise construction. "It was a very challenging job that was so different from my previous experience," he recalls.  "I had to learn a lot about mechanical engineering design. We had some good successes with the designs we developed and manufactured."

While thumbing through some employment advertisements, he saw one that caught his attention: director of research and engineering for MBMA. He had a copy of MBMA's wind loading primer on his shelf. "It seemed a good fit with my experience in design and research," he explains. The search committee must have thought so too, because they hired him in 1994 to begin what is now his current position at MBMA.

In his position, Shoemaker sees part of his role as improving the image of the metal building systems industry as a whole and MBMA in particular. The association's focus includes defining and promoting the common interests of metal building system manufacturers. They do this by facilitating and consolidating resources to meet the current challenges and opportunities the industry faces.

Meeting these means maintaining a professional image of trust and respect by structural engineering peers. "My biggest satisfaction is helping to change the image," Shoemaker says. "Some engineers don't appreciate the engineering expertise of our members.

But Shoemaker says that is changing. "I participate in national and international code and committee work and there's been a definite change in attitude in the past few years. Before, people would not seek out MBMA's opinion or try to work with our organization. Now, that's changed considerably. When we go to meetings, we're on an even status with others around the table."               

The association has taken the initiative to muster notable engineers from academic and other professional communities and bring them in as guests to the association's member firms. "We give them a tour, have members show them their software, discuss structural design issues, and describe how we've tackled challenges," explains Shoemaker. "Each time we have done this, the engineers are amazed - they didn't know how sophisticated metal building system design has become. We need to do more of that; there are a lot of audiences to impress."

Shoemaker believes the research undertaken by MBMA has far greater reach and purpose than many understand. To date, he has taken 30 research projects under his cognizance, covering interesting topics such as Wind Effects of Parapets on Low Buildings;  Snow Drifts on Low-Sloped Gable Roofs;  and Composite Roof Uplift Test . While MBMA contracts research effort to prestigious universities, Shoemaker serves as principal-in-charge, providing direction and oversight for all aspects of the research. 

"Much of our research impacts all low-rise buildings, not just metal building or roof systems," Shoemaker reveals. "A lot of associations haven't stepped forward to provide leadership in research. Because of our multitude of research, and the oversight of the certification program, metal buildings are designed to the highest standards and latest information, sometimes even before it gets into the codes. Our buildings are more thoroughly engineered than many other buildings."     

MBMA has produced many industry publications and guidelines, but one stands out as one of Shoemaker's major accomplishments. Last year the association, in conjunction with the International Code Council, published the Seismic Design Guide for Metal Building Systems. This publication has garnered extensive interest and support from those inside and outside the industry.

"There have been attempts from many organizations to develop a seismic design guide, but our plan and method produced an exceptional document. Many engineers outside the industry have commented to me that it is one of the best out there," Shoemaker comments.

Finding the right engineers to take on industry challenges is another satisfying endeavor for Shoemaker. "Whatever the topic - wind loads, snow loads, purlin or tapered member design - we hire research teams that represent the best engineering resources in North America," he says. "These are the best minds, the best resources ... people who've been around, who ask questions, who get opinions. The interaction is very stimulating. What's more, they learn about our industry, so it's a two-way street. It's also part of our job to impress on them the importance of what they're doing.  When they go away with a good experience and a new appreciation of metal building system challenges, they are eager to help us with future challenges and contribute to our understanding and work with us more often. "

Throughout the research process, Shoemaker visits the research facilities, observes testing carried out on each project, and works with graduate students. Many students become so fascinated by the metal building system research that they move into engineering roles with MBMA member firms.

Looking back on his 11 years with this professional association, Shoemaker has learned it's important to be patient in carrying out research impacting codes to guide the industry. He also advocates a participative role in the association's research and standards development by member engineers. Says Shoemaker, "They are more aware of what's going on in the building codes and standards and have more time to prepare for changes that can have a significant impact on design. They aren't just ahead of the curve, they are intimately involved in setting the direction for building systems design, and their companies are at a real technical advantage. "

Shoemaker practices the same enthusiasm he invites. "It's something I really like doing," he relates.  "There are always new challenges that keep me excited." 

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For more information on the Metal Building Manufacturer's Association, visit www.mbma.com.

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Based in Chesapeake, Virginia, Jim Romeo is a freelance writer who focuses on business and technology