The Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA) is a non-profit organization founded in 1956 to promote metal building systems.
Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, MBMA’s building system members are certified to standards set by the International Accreditation Service of the International Code Council.
The goal of MBMA and its members is to promote and improve metal building systems with a focus on sustainability and durability. The organization helps achieve this goal through research, education, and the advancement of building codes and standards.
The MBMA’s efforts have paid off. In 1956, member sales were $69.6 million. By 2014, sales had grown to $2.45 billion and members shipped more than 1 million tons of steel.
Metal Building Manufacturers Association Responsibilities
As of 2018, the organization had 43 Building Systems Members and 72 Associate Members.
Building Systems Membership
A building systems member is a full-scale manufacturer that focuses on low-rise, non-residential projects.
They provide the engineering design as well as the fabrication of:
- Structural steel framing systems
- Wall systems
- Metal roof systems
- Accessory equipment
MBMA Building Systems members employ more than 12,000 people across more than 60 manufacturing plants.
Associate Membership
MBMA offers Associate memberships for ancillary manufacturers and suppliers.
The MBMA focuses its efforts on the following:
Accreditation
The MBMA runs an accreditation program together with the International Code Council’s International Accreditation Service (IAS).
The organization endorses the Inspection Programs for Manufacturers of Metal Building Systems (AC471), which is owned and managed by the International Accreditation Services. This third-party accreditation program is based on the requirements outlined in Chapter 17 of the International Building Code (IBC).
Building Systems members must be accredited in order to join MBMA.
Education
Education and research are major focuses of the MBMA. Their goal is to educate engineers, designers, contractors, erectors, architects and code officials about metal building systems, their benefits and best practices.
The organization also works with industry groups and associations to keep code officials updated on advancements in metal building systems and how these changes affect building codes.
The MBMA also offers free educational resources that can be downloaded from their website and a YouTube channel. The MBMA website provides helpful resources for individuals or organizations looking to build a metal building, including information on:
- Things to consider
- The structure itself
- Design process
- Building codes
- Accreditation
- Energy efficiency
- Sustainability
- Fire protection
- Performance considerations
- Insurance
- Procurement
To further their education efforts, the MBMA sponsors a continuing education course at Northern Illinois University. The course was created with the help of architects and focuses on:
- Providing a general overview of engineered metal building systems
- How these systems are different from other metal structures
- How to work with engineered metal building systems
The MBMA’s sponsored course is accredited by the American Institute of Architects (AIA).
Publications
The MBMA offers several publications, including:
- Seismic Design Manual: An illustrated guide, which references the 2006 International Building Code, that includes examples of realistic designs, engineering diagrams and commentary on codes.
- Metal Building Systems Manual: Updated to reflect the 2012 IBC. The manual focuses on important topics for metal structures, including crane loads, load application, energy conservation and fire ratings information.
- Guide for Inspecting Metal Building Systems: Published in 2016, this guide is designed for individuals involved in the construction of metal building projects.
- Metal Roofing Systems Design Manual: A comprehensive guide on metal roofing which focuses on industry and design practices as well as installation and maintenance.
- Fire Resistance Design Guide for Metal Building Systems: An extensive guide that provides information on how to use metal buildings to meet fire resistance requirements.
- Energy Design Guide for Metal Building Systems, Second Edition: An updated guide that includes an overview of the sustainability of metal buildings as well as insulation, daylighting and roofs.
For more information visit https://www.mbma.com/