Smart Solutions - Helping Mechanical Contractors

14
To keep pace with fierce competi-

tion, Boston-based J .C. Cannistraro
has found creative ways to lever-
age building information modeling
(BIM) solutions from Technical Sales
International (TSI) to the fullest poten-
tial and, in turn, push savings and
productivity to new levels. The com-
bination of CAD-Mech and J OB-Site
Solutions software with the Trimble
Total Station from TSI produces con-
struction-ready models that enable
W H A T S I N S I D E
11
J.C. Cannistraro
Improves Jobsite
Productivity Using TSI
BIM Solutions
SMART SOLUTIONS
H e l p i n g c o n t r a c t o r s s a v e mo n e y a n d e n h a n c e p r o d u c t i v i t y
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Victaulic Helps 4 Js Plumbing, Fresh Meadow
Mechanical, and KSW Complete the 9/11 Memorial
for 10-Year Anniversary Opening
To keep the National September 11
Memorial on track to open on the 10th
anniversary of the 2001 terrorist attacks,
contractors 4 Js Plumbing & Heating
Corp., Fresh Meadow Mechanical Corp.,
and KSW, Inc., turned to Victaulic. For
two enormous reflecting pools with
waterfalls of an unprecedented sizeand
an incredibly tight timeframe4 Js
Plumbing and Fresh Meadow Mechanical
needed a reliable piping solution they
could install quickly. KSW not only faced
time constraints but also space constraints
that prohibited them from using a welded
solution for a heating and cooling system
to keep the bronze name plaques at mod-
erate temperature year-round.
Victaulic was the piping system of choice
to meet the compressed construction
schedule, reduce total installation costs,
accommodate expansion and contrac-
tion, ease future system maintenance, and
New York-based contractors 4 Js Plumbing, Fresh Meadow Mechanical, and KSW did their part to keep the
National September 11 Memorial project on track by using Victaulic piping and couplings to meet the com-
pressed construction schedule and reduce total installation costs.
Cannistraro crews use data from the TSI CAD-
Mech software to identify each hanger, then
rolling racks with several hundred hangers are
sent out to the field and rolled to the appropri-
ate section of the building. Cannistraro saves
time and money by installing entire floors
of hangers before a piece of pre-fab pipe is
brought on the job.
3
North, Anvil Score Big Savings on Super Bowl Project .............. 3
D.V. Brown Teams with Johnson Controls to Cut Energy Costs ...... 8
Shinn Increases Productivity with Miller Electric, Get the Point ... 10
Kirk Williams and Grinnell Cut Costs on Air Force Base ............ 14
TJ Dyer Cuts Labor Costs by 20 Percent with Aquatherm ......... 15
continued on page 6
Small Effort in the Office
Translates to Big Savings Onsite
continued on page 4
Time-Saving Tools Are In Demand
This issue of Smart Solutions demonstrates the continuing
demand for products and services that save time and trimlabor
costs to meet ever-tightening deadlines.
Time is Money
High-profile projects can have especially demanding schedules.
In this issue, see how Kirk Williams Company relied on
Grinnell to complete the new Wright-Patterson Air Force Base
Human Performance Wing. New York-based 4 Js Plumbing,
Fresh Meadow Mechanical, and KSW kept the National
September 11 Memorial project on track by using Victaulic
products, while Anvils Gruvlok products allowed North Mechanical to keep the new
Indianapolis JW Marriott on schedulein time for the 2012 Super Bowl.
Read why Smith & Oby and Coleman Spohn prefer Viegas time-saving products and how
the easy-to-install Quad Close Trap Seal device by Jay R. Smith Mfg. Co. helped Olson
Plumbing keep its Colorado College renovation project on schedule. By choosing Metraflex
Metraloop expansion joints, Edwards Engineering estimates saving over 1,200 man-hours in
renovating Chicagos Kluczynski Federal Building. Learn why Mesa Mechanical picked the
JosamPush-Fit Stainless Steel Drainage Systemfor a project at Las Vegas Bellagio.
Find out how TJ Dyer kept costs down by using Aquatherms Climatherm
piping for a
Cincinnati senior living communitys heating system. And, learn how Shinn Mechanical
saves significant labor hours with the Miller Electric Mfg. Co.s PipeWorx Welding System.
Meanwhile, our partners at CNA remind us that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of
cure. They provide 10 simple tips to prevent equipment theft.
Taking Advantage of Tech
Cost-conscious contractors are also seeking ways to leverage new technology to stay com-
petitive. In this issue, get tips fromJ.C. Cannistraro on using building information modeling
solutions fromTechnical Sales International to push savings and productivity to new levels.
Learn how Shinn Mechanical uses Get The Points Total Station Solution software and
equipment to transmit accurate layout information rapidly to field crews. Read about Action
Electrical & Mechanical Contractors success in streamlining accounting processes and more
with the Digio document management solution by Jonas Software.
Performance Pays Off
Energy efficiency is no longer a bonus in building constructionits the new norm. Learn
how J.E. Shekell is using AirAdvice/BuildingAdvice Energy Audits to identify areas for
improvements and help clients make the case for undertaking energy-efficient renovations.
Also read how D.V. Brown & Associates not only kept installation costs down for a school
renovation project but also helped the school meet energy-efficiency requirements by using
Johnson Controls products.
Planning for Success
For more smart solutions, join us for the 2011 Mid-Year ConferenceNavigating the
Recovery: Strategies for Successin Indianapolis September 1214. The educational ses-
sions will help you transition your company fromsurvival mode to success. For more infor-
mation, visit www.mcaa.org/education.
Bill Bartley
Chairman
SMART SOLUTIONS
Helping contractors save money
and enhance productivity
Smart Solutions showcases new tech-
nologies and promotes cost-saving and
productivity-enhancing applications
available from members of MCAAs
Manufacturer/Supplier Council. Smart
Solutions is published biannually for
contractor members of MCAA and its
subsidiaries.
All information in this newsletter was
supplied by members of MCAAs
Manufacturer/Supplier Council. MCAA
is not responsible for any claims made
regarding products or services mentioned.
Cynthia Buffington
Senior Executive Director
Jan Letow
Director, Membership
Adrienne Breedlove
Director, Publications
Dana Trevas
Consultant
1385 Piccard Drive
Rockville, MD 20850-4340
301-869-5800
Fax 301-869-3520
e-mail cbuffington@mcaa.org
www. mcaa. org
S M A R T S O L U T I O N S S U M M E R 2 0 1 1
3
To complete a new J W Marriott hotel
in Indianapolis, North Mechanical
Contracting chose Anvils Gruvlok
product to provide the kind of perfor-
mance and value required to keep the
project on time and within budget.
The $450-million hotel and conven-
tion center project was smack in the
center of Indianapolis crowded down-
town area and had to be completed
a full year ahead of the 2012 Super
Bowl there. Complicating matters
further, North also had to
provide services to other
Marriott hotels within the
same complex that would
open a year before the mar-
quee J W Marriott property,
compressing Norths time-
frame considerably.
We have a 30-plus-year
track record installing
grooved piping systems,
said Rod Foley, proj-
ect manager for North
Mechanical. We knew
that grooved would save us
time and labor costs, two
things very important on
this job, so North selected
Anvils Gruvlok products.
2012 Super Bowl Brings
Need for New Lodgings
When Indianapolis won
the bid for the 2012 Super
Bowl, the city realized it
likely didnt have enough
hotel rooms to accommo-
date the more than 100,000
people expected to come
to town for the big game.
The city selected Marriott
Corporation to build a
1,005-room, luxury J W
Marriott property near
Lucas Oil Field, home
of the Indianapolis Colts
and site of the 2012 Super Bowl.
The glass curtain wall project broke
ground in May 2008.
North provided plumbing and
mechanical systems for the conven-
tion center, as well as full infra-
structure HVAC and plumbing for
the existing buildings and the new
hotel in the complex. While weld
pipe was included in the original
bid, North wanted to use as much
time- and labor-saving grooved
piping as possible to help meet the
tight timeframe. Everything North
needed was available in the Gruvlok
line, said Kyle Crawford, Anvil
Mechanical Specialist. Gruvlok
products used by North Mechanical
in the Marriott project included 3
12 couplings and fittings and Anvil
pipe supports, both clevis-type and
roller hangers.
Ready for Some
Football!
The project was com-
pleted in December 2010.
Anvil kept everything
moving, said Foley.
They provided a value
product that worked as
promised and was deliv-
ered to meet our product
schedule. We plan on
using Anvil products on
our upcoming Indianapolis
Veterans Administration
hospital chiller replace-
ment project.
Now, Indianapolis has
another luxury hotel prop-
erty to welcome guests for
the Super Bowl in 2012.
Greg Fuller, president of
North Mechanical and an
MCAA Board Member, will
discuss how his company
successfully uses integrated
project deliverya collabor-
ative process involving all the
participants early in devel-
opmenton September 13
at MCAAs 2011 Mid-Year
Conference in Indianapolis,
IN (visit www.mcaa.org/
education for more details).
For more information about
Anvil, visit www.anvilintl.com.
North Mechanical and Anvil Score Big in Super Bowl Project Kickoff
Partners Tackle Space, Time Constraints Together with Grooved Piping Solution
North Mechanical Contracting chose Anvils Gruvlok product to stay on time and within
budget for a new luxury JW Marriott hotel and convention center in Indianapolis (shown
here under construction)which is now ready to welcome more than 100,000 people
when Super Bowl 2012 kicks off.
4
eliminate confined space safety con-
cerns. Victaulic was definitely a prob-
lem solver, said KSW Chief Executive
Officer Floyd Warkol. This was an
absolute perfect application.
A Memorial for America
The National September 11 Memorial
& Museum will honor the nearly 3,000
people who lost their lives in the ter-
rorist attacks of September 11, 2001,
and the World Trade Center bombing
on February 26, 1993. The memorial
consists of two reflecting pools, each
approximately one acre in size, sunken
30 feet into the footprints of the north
and south towers of the World Trade
Center. Featuring the largest manmade
waterfalls in the country, each pool
contains about 560,000 gallons of
water, and every minute, 24,000 gal-
lons of water ringlets cascade over the
edges of each fountain. The pools are
set within an eight-acre plaza studded
with oak trees. The mechanical rooms
housing the pumps for the waterfalls
are located directly beneath the pools,
approximately 50 feet below plaza level.
The name plaques are bronze parapets
surrounding the twin pools that are
inscribed with the names of the victims.
The memorial will open in a dedica-
tion ceremony for victims families on
September 11, 2011the 10-year anni-
versary of the attacks. It opens to the
general public by reservation a day later
on September 12. (Online reservations
for free visitor passes can be made at
www.911memorial.org.)
Tight Deadline Gets Tighter
4 Js Associates, LLC, a joint venture
of 4 Js Plumbing and Fresh Meadow
Mechanical, both based in New York,
began the piping and equipment instal-
lation for the fountains in March 2010.
In June, the target completion date for
the north pool was moved to ensure that
the pool would be filled and the pumps
operating in time for a November 2010
demonstration. The team of contractors
faced a tight schedule, one in which
everything had to be done right the first
time. Meanwhile, New-York based
KSW handled the installation of a heat-
ing and cooling system for the name
plaques, as well as the chiller plant.
Victaulic grooved mechanical piping
solutions were selected to join much of
the piping for the seven different types
of mechanical systems on each pool,
including the stainless steel waterfall
systems and filtration systems, stainless
steel sump and galvanized ejector lines,
and ductile iron plaza drainage system,
as well as the name plaque heating and
cooling system.
Faster and Easier Installations
Completing the project on time was a
primary concern of the Port Authority.
I assured them it wouldnt be a prob-
lem, Daniel Justus, president of 4 Js
Plumbing, recalled. They asked if weve
ever done a fountain project this large,
and I said I dont think anyone has done
a fountain project this large. But its a
doable project for us, just larger pumps
and bigger pipe and fittings.
Victaulic grooved mechanical piping
is faster and easier to install than other
pipe-joining methods because the gasket
and coupling housing are simply posi-
tioned on the grooved pipe ends and the
bolts and nuts tightened with standard
hand tools.
For the 24 and 16 waterfall piping,
Victaulic Advanced Groove System
(AGS) couplings were selected. AGS
couplings feature enhanced pressure
ratings and are the only couplings on
the market that feature a two-piece
housing design up to 60 in diameter
for increased installation speed and
ease of assembly.
On the memorial project, Victaulic
QuickVic
installation-ready cou-
plings further reduced installation
time. The couplings do not require
disassembly prior to installation, so
plumbers could simply stab the cou-
plings onto the grooved pipe ends and
tighten the bolts. Victaulic couplings
featuring installation-ready technology
are up to 10 times faster than welding
and six times faster than flanging to
install.
VICTAULIC
continued from page 1
4 Js Plumbing and Fresh Meadow Mechanical chose easy-to-install Victaulic couplings to meet the tight
deadline for the National September 11 Memorial reflecting pools, which are approximately one acre in size
and sunken 30 feet into the footprints of the north and south towers of the World Trade Center.
5
The use of Victaulic couplings and
fittings accelerated the installation
process tremendously, said Michael
Russo, chief operating officer of Fresh
Meadow Mechanical. Its a much
easier system to install.
In addition to speeding the construc-
tion, J ustus and Russo credit the
couplings with reducing costs. Its
definitely going to cost more money
to weld a pipe than to groove it and
use the couplings, J ustus said. Not
only would welding have been more
expensive, it also would have been
extremely difficult given the time and
space constraints. Welding all the
pipe onsite would have been impos-
sible, Russo stated. Theres between
3,000 and 4,000 couplings. If all those
connections had been welded, wed
still be welding.
To further reduce installation time, as
well as organize and coordinate deliv-
ery of the piping, a majority of the
larger pipe was fabricated offsite and
delivered to the jobsite for connection.
This approach allowed for relocation
of some labor to a controlled envi-
ronment, minimizing the amount of
material handling onsite while also
saving space. In the cramped quarters
of the pump roomsparticularly the
south pump room, which is about half
the size of the norththere wasnt
much room in which to work. KSWs
Warkol explained, The mechanical
rooms are shared space. There were
different companies working under
different contracts for different enti-
ties all at the same time. The orches-
tration of the various contracts and the
various trades by the Port Authority is
an unbelievable feat.
Couplings Accommodate
Last-Minute Changes, System
Maintenance
The speed of installation also proved
to be advantageous when last-minute
design changes were handed down.
We had several design changes
throughout the job, some small, some
large, J ustus explained. Victaulic
grooved piping systems provide easy
access for system alteration, as well as
maintenance and expansion, because
a coupling creates a union at every
joint. To access the system, a worker
unscrews two bolts and removes the
coupling housing and gasketno
torch, saw, or welding machine is nec-
essary.
With grooved pipe, if you have to
take something apart, you take off the
coupling and you extend it or alter
it; its easy to work with. If you have
welded pipe, you have to cut into the
pipe and you have to weld another fit-
ting. Doing that in the field versus the
grooved systemits night and day,
J ustus said.
The serviceability of the Victaulic
grooved system also simplifies system
maintenance. Given the nature of the
application and the chemical treatment
of the water, periodic inspections will
be conducted to detect microbiologi-
cal growth within the piping. The
access capabilities of the Victaulic
connections [allows maintenance per-
sonnel to] take systems out of service,
open up the piping, and do a visual
internal inspection very easily, Russo
explained.
Accommodation of thermal movement
was also a requirement. The design
of a Victaulic flexible grooved pip-
ing system accommodates expansion
and contraction by permitting linear
movement and deflection of the pipe
within the coupling, thus minimizing
the need for costly expansion joints or
large expansion loops, which would
have been nearly impossible given the
space constraints.
Safe Installation in a Confined
Space
While 4 J s Plumbing and Fresh
Meadow Mechanical installed piping
for the reflecting pools, KSW was
installing piping for the bronze name
plaques, which required a heating and
cooling system to keep the plaques
cool in the summer and warm in the
winter. The system, including 4 steel
mains and
3
/4 copper branches, was
to be installed in a 4-foot-tall crawl
space below the parapets. Because
welding in such a location would have
introduced confined space concerns,
Victaulic couplings were selected to
join the mains.
Proud To Be Part of History
The speed of installation of the
Victaulic grooved piping system was
a considerable factor in complet-
ing the project on time. The 4 J s
Associates team was able to turn over
the north pool to the Port Authority
on November 3, 2010, and installation
of the piping systems for the south
pool was substantially completed by
J anuary 2011, more than three months
ahead of schedule. Victaulic was a
key player in being able to meet the
required timelines for the project,
Russo stated.
The Port Authority and the founda-
tion were really happy with what
we did, J ustus said proudly. They
praised us for our workmanship and
for completing the job in the time-
frame we did.
As proud as each of the firms were to
finish ahead of schedule, the symbolic
nature of the project resonated even
more. Being a part of the rebirth of
the World Trade Center area was a
remarkable experience. It meant a lot
to us as a contractor in the New York
metropolitan area and our employees
to be involved in the project, Russo
reflected.
Warkol added, Its exciting to be
a part of whats taking place down
there. Its a major piece of American
history.
For more information about Victaulic
products, visit www.victaulic.com. To
learn more about the 9/11 Memorial,
visit www.911memorial.org.
6
off-site pre-fabrication and efficient
installation processes.
As J oe Mierzejewski, Cannistraros
project manager and coordination
department manager, commented, We
are always attempting to find ways to
become more efficient and save labor
costs, and the CAD-Mech and J OB-
Site Solutions software and Trimble
hardware from TSI is the perfect ave-
nue for that.
Pre-Fabrication Ensures
Quality, Productivity
Bringing the bulk of the work to
Cannistraros pre-fabrication facility
ensures that every component is pre-
engineered, thereby improving mate-
rials management and overall project
flow. Cannistraros Fab Lab has
the capacity to design and pre-fabri-
cate piping components for the most
complicated mechanical systems.
The company has pre-fabrication and
storage facilities for the plumbing
and fire protection trades, as well as
a 40,000-square-foot HVAC shop
complete with overhead cranes, a
plasma cutter, and automatic welding
machines.
We can take months off of a schedule
because we do three or four months of
work upfront, before were on the job,
said Mierzejewski.
Without pre-fab capabilities, contrac-
tors deliver piping pieces to jobsites
which then remain in a pile, taking up
precious floor space. The subsequent,
on-site, stick-built method results
in lower productivity, longer installa-
tion schedules, and greater waste and
debris. Weather, too, becomes a for-
midable factorshutting down work-
sites, damaging materials, and making
work uncomfortably cold, hot, or wet
for construction workers. Measuring,
cutting, fitting, and assembling in the
field is tiresome, time-consuming,
wasteful, and potentially
dangerousand those fac-
tors all drive up costs.
Minimizing Layout Labor
Cannistraro has also found
opportunities for savings and
efficiency in the installation
of hangers and sleeves. Once
the components are assem-
bled, time and labor costs
can accrue during on-site
installation of sleeves and
hangers. The Boston mar-
ket and job conditions dont
always allow us to sleeve
ahead of time. Coring after
a deck has been poured has
become the common practice in this
area, said Mierzejewski. Through the
use of TSI J OB-Site Solutions software
and Trimble Total Station, the labor
required to layout points is signifi-
cantly reduced. Typically, the employ-
ees doing the layout have to attach the
wireless controller (the Nomad) to a
rod with a 360-degree prism mounted
on top and walk around the site to
shoot the points.
Making More Intelligent Models
To solve the problem of uncon-
structable 3D models received from
designers, Cannistraro now uses TSIs
CAD-Mech software for creating intel-
ligent models for fabrication. Using
TSIs BIM software, our foremen work
directly with our modelers to produce
pre-fabrication documents known as
spool sheets. These documents are
downloaded to the shop floor, where
our licensed mechanics create piping
assemblies that are ready for delivery
and installation, said Mierzejewski.
The entire process is driven by geom-
etry in the model provided by TSIs
CAD-Mech software.
Furthermore, the model allows
Cannistraro to produce stock lists auto-
matically for estimating and change
management. CAD-Mech generates
detailed reports for shipping, purchas-
ing, and fabrication; with the auto-
spooling feature, detailers can create
fabrication drawings with an automatic
bill of material generation for each ISO
drawing. Building owners and con-
struction managers can then view cost
implications for project planning and
make decisions within the context of
the model.
Additionally, by using TSIs BIM soft-
ware, Cannistraro can take advantage
of barcoding to track equipment and
piping assemblies from pre-fabrication
to installation.
From Fabrication to Installation
Bang It and Hang It
Before we purchased the CAD-Mech
and J OB-Site Solutions software
and Trimble hardware from TSI, the
installer would be armed with a coor-
dinated 2D drawing, a tape measure,
a hammer drill, inserts, a lift, band
saw, cords, and the associated hanger
stock, said Mierzejewski. Using the
Trimble Total Station in conjunction
with TSIs CAD-Mech and J OB-Site
Solutions BIM software makes sleeves,
coring, and hanger layout safer, more
efficient, and less expensive.
With the ability to extrapolate intel-
ligence out of the CAD-Mech soft-
ware, the Cannistraro crews can now
individually number each hanger and
run a report showing the rod size,
TSI
Extrapolating information from TSIs CAD-Mech software, the
Cannistraro crews can individually number each hanger, then send
it to the appropriate section of the building, saving labor time onsite.
7
length, and various other pieces of
information. That number corre-
sponds to the concrete inserts and the
physical drawing. Rolling racks with
several hundred hangers are sent out
to the field and rolled to the appro-
priate section of the building. Entire
floors of hangers are installed before
a piece of pre-fab pipe is brought on
the job.
Before this innovation, the installer
would lay out hangers off a 2D draw-
ing and control lines. If not done
perfectly, pre-fab may be slightly
off and need to be altered, or some
hangers might need to be moved.
With the combination of TSIs
CAD-Mech software producing the
pre-fabbed hangers and piping, the
J OB-Site Solutions software extract-
ing accurate hanger locations, and
the Trimble hardwares offering
overwhelming accuracy and ease of
use in the field, Cannistraro estimates
saving approximately 70 percent
in material and labor per hanger
installed, with substantially more pre-
cision. Upon realizing those astonish-
ing numbers, the Cannistraro team
started coming up with new ways to
use these innovations.
Taking it a Step Further
Cannistraro has invested in a mobile
coring rig that increases the num-
ber of holes drilled per day. While
the Trimble unit has saved time and
greatly improved accuracy of laying
out core holes, Cannistraro has taken
the idea one step further by integrating
the Trimble with the mobile rig. By
mounting the prism and Nomad (hand-
held controller) directly to the mobile
rig, the rig can layout the hole and core
it. Reducing a two-man job (layout and
coring) to a one-man job has cut labor
costs even further.
Setting a LEAN Standard
for Efficiency
Cannistraros basic processes
now constitute a LEAN construc-
tion standard. They create small
batches of work broken down into
four basic tasks (generate pre-fab
sheets, generate pre-fab hangers,
install Bang-Its, install hangers)
that can be repeated with efficiency,
accuracy, and speed.
The need for one or two installers to
carry around tools and stock for several
tasks has been eliminated. The job is
reduced to a single man, a rolling cart
full of numbered hangers, and a lift.
Each task is completed with minimal
tools and minimal stock. More impor-
tantly, Cannistraro is less dependent
on other trades to complete work.
Anytime a step can be eliminated or
improved, its a worthwhile venture,
said Mierzejewski.
These efficiencies are achieved as
a result of information included in
Cannistraros 3D drawings produced
with CAD-Mech. A small amount of
additional effort in the office has trans-
lated to significant savings in the pre-fab
shop and on the jobsite. Further, savings
are realized in less wear-and-tear on
small power tools, reduced rental time of
a lift, and, most importantly, the elimina-
tion of potential eye injuries and back
strain from overhead drilling.
3D BIM Provides Competitive
Advantage
With TSI BIM Solutions,
Cannistraros plans become multi-
dimensional construction models that
show the whole project in a 3D, ani-
mated view where the team can see
every fitting, hanger, and supportas
well as dimensional, material, cost,
and labor databefore a job is
installed. Its a great tool that helps
us do our job better and gives J .C.
Cannistraro that competitive advan-
tage, Mierzejewski concluded.
Mike Cannistraro, vice president
of engineering at J.C. Cannistraro,
will explain how his company has
used the BIM process to create
fabrication and preassembly effi-
ciencies that greatly improve labor
productivity and provide a competi-
tive advantage on September 13 at
MCAAs 2011 Mid-Year Conference
in Indianapolis, IN (visit www.mcaa.
org/education for more details). For
more information about TSI, visit
www.technicalsalesinternational.com.
Opportunities to Improve Efficiency and Savings with BIM
Automatic intelligent hanger and sleeve generation
Piping spools and pipe pre-fabrication
Hanger pre-fabrication
Reduced field labor for hanger inserts and sleeves
Increased productivity of hanger installation because of exact measurements
and pre-fabricated hangers
Reduced rework of pipe fabrication because of exact location of hangers and
sleeves
Reduced field manpower as a result of pipe prefabrication
Reduced safety costs with less field labor
Increased LEAN construction by using just-in-time delivery
More green building adherence because of fewer materials and less waste at
the jobsite
8
By using Johnson Controls products
for the renovation of five schools
in Dunkirk, NY, D.V. Brown &
Associates, Inc. (DVB) not only keeps
installation costs down but also helps
the school meet energy-efficiency
requirements that will result in energy
savings. Dunkirk City School District
is in the second phase of a two-phase
renovation project that began in July
2010. Responsibility for making $3 mil-
lion in mechanical equipment upgrades
to four elementary schools and the
districts middle school rests with DVB,
headquartered in Tonawanda, NY.
We are replacing and upgrading equip-
ment that is at least 20 years old, said
Don Brown, DVB president and CEO
and a member of MCAAs Board of
Directors. The project engineer pro-
vided us with options for new equip-
ment that will meet the specifications
for the project. Based on our previous
experience and the reliability of their
products, we opted to go with products
from Johnson Controls and the York

brand of Johnson Controls.
The HVAC systems upgrades include
indoor and outdoor Solution air-
handling units, blower coils, Series 10
packaged rooftop units, unit ventilators,
hot water coils and hot water unit heat-
ers, FW Series fan-coil units, condens-
ing units, and a YLAA air-cooled scroll
chiller. All of the equipment meets or
exceeds the energy efficiency require-
ments for the buildings. School districts
like Dunkirk are facing limited funding
and tight budgets, so administrators are
looking to save money by improving the
efficiency of their buildings and reduc-
ing their energy consumption.
Factory Packaging Ensures
Quality, Saves Time and Headaches
But just as important to the school dis-
trict and DVB is the fact that much of
the equipment features factory-packaged
controls from Johnson Controls.
We both benefit, Brown explained.
As the installer, we know we are get-
ting equipment with controls that have
been consistently installed in a controlled
environment, ensuring quality and saving
time. In fact, technicians in the factory
have easy access to all segments of the
equipment, making precise installation
and wiring easy and efficient.
By the time the equipment arrives
at the jobsite, it is already tested and
integrated with the control system, sav-
ing us time and limiting or eliminating
many of the headaches associated with
startup, Brown continued. Johnson
Controls has a reputation for equipment
that is very well laid out and very ser-
viceable. All the key components and
controls are very well thought out, mak-
ing installation easy and an efficient use
of our time.
With air-handling units, factory
mounting maintains leakage perfor-
mance. Factory wiring is plug-and-
playthat is, the equipment is ready
to go once its installed. Sensor probes
are pre-engineered to determine the
best mounting location, ensuring
accurate and reliable readings. Each
mounted and wired device is tested
at the factory, and each unit includes
factory-generated control diagrams.
Ease of Installation of Johnson Controls/York Products Helps D.V.
Brown & Associates Keep School Renovations On Time, On Budget
Energy-Efficient Products and Digital Controls Will Help School District Cut Energy Costs
D.V. Brown & Associates selected rooftop units and other Johnson Controls products for a school renovation
project in Dunkirk, NY, because they are reliable, easy to install, and help the school meet energy-efficiency
requirements.
9
As a result, installation of the equip-
ment requires less time.
Factory packaging makes our job easier
and less costly, said Brown. But lower
installation costs also benefit the school
district, and the time savings we real-
ize with these controls helps to keep the
construction schedule on budget and
on time. This is especially important to
school districts, where accomplishing
work over the summer, between the end
of the school year and prior to the start of
the new year in September, is critical.
Metasys System Allow Wireless
Access, Customizable Reports
In addition to the benefits offered by
digital controls applied to the mechani-
cal equipment, the school system will
also appreciate the advantages of hav-
ing wireless controls on network-based
equipment. The Metasys
building man-
agement system from Johnson Controls
integrates building technologies and
automates and manages systems in a
single building or multiple buildings.
Information on system performance
and status can be accessed from any
web-based device. The Metasys Ready
Access Portal delivers information
on standard web browsers (including
Apple
iPhone
and iPod
touch plat-
forms), enabling facility managers to
monitor building systems and facility
usage and respond quickly to changes or
operating challenges, no matter where
they are.
In addition, Metasys provides easily
customizable reports that help school
districts optimize operation of all the
facilities on the network even as it helps
to ensure redundancy and reduce life-
cycle costs going forward. Improved
graphics make it easy to use, which can
result in better cost management and
improved system performance.
The school district can also anticipate
improved comfort as a result of new
controls and equipment upgrades, con-
tributing to an environment that is more
conducive to learning. At the same
time, school district efficiency goals
are achievable, thanks to the improved
energy performance of the new equip-
ment and controls.
The use of Johnson Controls equip-
ment, with its factory-packaged con-
trols and wireless field bus system, is
a win-win for all concerned, Brown
concluded. As the mechanical contrac-
tor, were enjoying all the advantages of
a simpler, less time-consuming installa-
tion process while feeling confident in
the reliability and quality of the equip-
ment were installing. Meanwhile, the
school district is realizing efficiency
improvements that will result in energy
savings and control flexibility that
will ensure improved performance and
a more comfortable, productive envi-
ronment for students and staff.
For more information, visit www.
johnsoncontrols.com.
Ten Tips for Preventing Equipment Theft
With the price of used equipment at an all-time high, the current uncertain economic conditions, and the inherent vulnerability of
jobsites and yards, CNA encourages you to implement strategies to protect against jobsite burglaries, vandalism, and equipment
theft. The following tips can help:
Do not leave machines on unfenced properties or jobsites. When possible, temporarily move machines to fenced yards or
locate a secure lot near the jobsite, such as a car dealership.
Disable machines that have to be left on jobsites. Disconnect batteries; pull fuses, relays, or ignition circuits; and remove tires.
Do not leave machines or materials on trailers. Equipment on trailers is much easier to steal.
Randomly check jobsites during off-hours. Give designated employees a list of what machines, tools, and materials should be
at each jobsite, so that missing property is not overlooked.
Do not leave hand tools or small equipment at jobsites. Lock boxes should be secured with additional locks, chains, etc.
Advise jobsite security guards if any activity is expected. Thieves are often familiar with the work site and may even have cre-
dentials that allow them to be on the site or to move equipment. Be sure security guards have a contact number so that they can
alert you about suspicious activity.
Let employees know that management will be making spot checks of jobsites. Let the grapevine work to your advantage.
Create an accurate list of all important equipment, with serial numbers. The list will help aid in the potential recovery of any
stolen equipment.
Mark all tools with the company name and address. Make it as large and as permanent as possible.
Register your equipment on the National Equipment Register today: www.ner.net.
Its always a good time to prevent theft.
For more information on CNAs insurance solutions, please visit www.cna.com/construction.
10
While Shinn Mechanical, Inc. of Kent,
WA, has already increased its MIG
weld quality to the point where opera-
tors cant remember their last rejected
weld, its welders also complete joints
three to four times faster than shops
that rely solely on stick and TIG tech-
nology by using the new PipeWorx
Welding System, a pipe-specific mul-
tiprocess welding system from Miller
Electric Mfg. Co.
PipeWorx features the Pro-Pulse
pulsed MIG and RMD (Regulated
Metal Deposition) processes, as well
as stick, TIG, and flux-cored pro-
cesses that have been optimized spe-
cifically for pipe fabrication. It also
provides traditional MIG processes.
Switching between processes requires
pushing one button. Because operators
do not need to manually switch polar-
ity, cables, or hoses, they are more
productive, and a potential source of
errors is eliminated.
Same Quality, Three to
Four Times Faster
While some code requirements and
weld procedure specifications require
TIG or stick welding or both, Shinn
Mechanical has worked with its cus-
tomers to qualify as many applications
as possible for the RMD and Pro-
Pulse. For example, welding 4- and
6-diameter pipe generally requires
two passes. We would run an RMD
root with a Pro-Pulse cap, said Steve
Sayers, a pipefitter/welder with UA
Local 32 who has worked at Shinn
Mechanical since 2005. We go to
Pro-Pulse on every size that requires
more than two passes whenever codes
and procedures allow.
Sayers continued, It would be a
minimum of double, if not three
times, faster to put in an RMD root
as opposed to a standard TIG or stick
weld. With the Pro-Pulse capabilities,
because of how much metal you can
put down with still having an x-ray-
quality weld, your production times
[are] three to four times faster [with]
the same quality of work you could
[do] with a TIG or stick procedure.
We havent had a wire [welding]
reject in well over a year.
With Miller Electric Mfg.
Cos PipeWorx Welding
System, Your production
times [are] three to four
times faster [with] the same
quality of work you could
[do] with a TIG or stick
procedure. We havent had
a wire [welding] reject in
well over a year.
Steve Sayers, Shinn Mechanical
Miller engineers have confirmed
Sayers estimates for RMD. While
productivity rates vary depending on
joint configuration, diameter, sched-
ule, material, etc., general travel
speeds for root pass welding are as
follows:
TIG: 24 inches per minute (ipm)
Stick: 58 ipm
RMD: 612 ipm
On average, the RMD process creates
a root pass weld with a 1/8- to 1/4-
throat. In many instances, the amount
of root pass metal deposited can sup-
port the heat input requirements of a
pulsed MIG fill pass. In many applica-
tions, Shinn Mechanical eliminates the
traditional hot pass, which can save
1015 minutes of time on 12-diam-
eter, Schedule 40 pipe.
Multipurpose Machine
Saves Money
On any given day, pipefitter/welders
need TIG, stick, flux-cored, MIG, and
pulsed MIG welding capabilities. A
traditional pipe shop would equip its
welding areas with a TIG/stick welder
and perhaps a multiprocess welder,
which typically doesnt have a high-
frequency start function.
With the PipeWorx, you have the
ability to have a high-frequency
start, which is huge when youre
doing quality work, said Sayers.
Now you dont have a scratch start,
which always takes a chance of leav-
ing a tungsten inclusion. [PipeWorx]
keeps us from having to buy an
additional welding machine just to
have the high-frequency capabilities
in the start, which is a huge money
savings.
The PipeWorxs push-button process
change capabilities also provide a
significant savings. In a matter of sec-
onds, operators can switch between:
DC TIG, with Lift-Arc starts or
high frequency for non-contact arc
starts;
stick, with arc performance opti-
mized for E6010 or E7018 elec-
trodes in pipe applications;
flux-cored;
conventional MIG; or
RMD or Pro-Pulse processes.
To illustrate, Lets say I just did a Pro-
Pulse cap and then wanted to switch
back to a TIG start, said Sayers. It can
Shinn Mechanical Increases Pipe Fabrication Quality and
Productivity with PipeWorx Welding System
11
take me a minute to grab my torch, my
foot pedal, set it up, and Im ready to go
within a minutes time between change-
overs. And the only reason it takes that
long is because my TIG torch and foot
pedal are all wrapped up. In order to
change between the TIG setup and the
wire setup, it takes all of two seconds.
Just walk right over to the machine, pull
the trigger on either one of the guns and
Im right back into the MIG position.
With all other multiprocess welding
systems, process changeover takes 5
10 minutes. Operators usually need to
change the welding lead (TIG torch to
stick electrode holder to wire feeder,
etc.) as well as swap the work lead
because different processes require
different polarities. In pipe fabrication
shops, MIG, stick, and flux-cored pro-
cesses use reverse polarity (DCEP),
whereas TIG welding uses straight
polarity (DCEN).
Pipefitter/welders typically change
processes an average of eight times
per day, which adds up to a total of
4080 minutes of changeover time.
Using a conservative overhead rate
of $60/hour, changeover costs of old
welding systems quickly add up:
$40$80 per day per operator
$200$400 per week
$10,000$20,000 per year
By eliminating unproductive process
changeover time to all of two sec-
onds, coupled with faster welding
speeds, Shinn Mechanical pipefitter/
welders can easily achieve their daily
goal of 200 weld inches (i.e., complet-
ing 20 joints on 10-diameter pipe).
Pre-Programming Settings
Saves Time
As noted earlier, Shinn Mechanical
works to qualify many procedures
for the RMD and Pro-Pulse pro-
cesses. To facilitate quick change-
over between these processes,
Sayers uses a dual wire feeder that
stores four welding programs on
each side. He uses the right side to
put in the root pass.
Ive got my RMD setting, MIG set-
tings for different applications, and
then Ive also got a pulsed setting for
Because Miller Electric Mfg. Co.s PipeWorx Welding System allows operators to switch quickly between multiple types of weld processes, Shinn Mechanical not
only saves labor time, but also avoids having to buy an additional welding machine just to have the high-frequency capabilities in the start, which is a huge money
savings, observed Steve Sayers of Shinn Mechanical.
12
certain applications, said Sayers.
I can put a bead into anything with
any of those four settings. Then I just
switch over to my left side gun, and
thats where my Pro-Pulse side is for
my fill and my caps. I can generally,
off of those four programs, run any-
where from 2, Schedule 40 pipe all
the way up to as large a pipe as there
is just by adjusting wire feed speed.
To switch between programs, Sayers
uses the trigger select function, which
eliminates the need to return to the
feeders control panel to switch
between passes.
Arcs Designed for Pipe Welding
Unlike other multiprocess welding
systems, the PipeWorx features arc
characteristics specifically designed
for pipe welding. For example, the arc
characteristics, metal transfer, wet out,
and puddle control of Pro-Pulse and
RMD produce optimum results in the
joints and welding positions typical of
pipe welding.
You can get out of position a little
easier, and it seems to hold a puddle
better, observed Sayers. RMD also
leaves less wagon tracks in your weld
in the side walls of the pipe. When
youre doing high-quality work, you
dont have to grind out nearly as
much of your base metal to get down
to clean metal again [before] your sec-
ond pass.
Sayers estimated that RMD reduces
grinding time by 30 percent compared
with conventional short-circuit MIG.
On 12-diameter pipe or larger, RMD
can save five minutes or more of
grinding time per joint, which helps
Sayers accomplish his daily goal of
200 weld inches per day.
Sayers also noted that RMD looks
closer to TIG-like. It lays down flat-
ter than short-circuit welding does.
It doesnt seem to fall in as much.
It tends to hug the sides of the walls
of the pipe to where it does have the
tendency of laying flatter, maybe
a little wider and get really good pen-
etration. It doesnt seem to drop in
nearly as easily as short arc does. That
way, you dont have excessive pen-
etration on your root pass.
RMD Is a Quick Study
Historically, pipe fabricators refused
to adopt conventional MIG processes,
or they limited use to non-critical
applications. Fabricators felt that
consistently producing code-quality
welds with no or little rework required
a high degree of skill and significant
training. Miller designed RMD so that
novice welders could learn it in a mat-
ter of days, and experienced welders
could learn it in hours.
The fabrication time
you save is just
unbelievable. I couldnt
imagine trying to do it
any other way.
Steve Sayers, Shinn Mechanical
RMD runs extremely smooth, said
Sayers. Its easy to tell when you
do have a problem because it will
be noticeable. The machine will let
you know to stop because the arc
will have a crackle sound thats not
familiar. When its running consis-
tently, it always has the same sound;
it doesnt change. Further, if it cre-
ates a little bit of a keyhole, you just
slow down, and it seems to fill itself
right back in.
One of the biggest challenges in
pipe welding occurs when two sec-
tions of pipe are misaligned, known
as a high-low situation. Sayers
stated that if the misalignment is
within 1/8, RMD generally has no
problem picking up both of those
edges and doing a good tie-in [so]
you dont have to try to go back and
grind or try to make a repair. [It]
doesnt thin out your walls too much
to where when you try to put your
secondary pass in it doesnt want to
blow through.
RMD provides these benefits because
it precisely and consistently controls
metal transfer. Uniform droplet depo-
sition produces a stable and more
controllable weld puddle (as opposed
to the explosion of traditional
short-circuit transfer). RMD enables
consistent tie-in to the sidewall, com-
pensates for high-low misalignment,
easily bridges gaps of up to 3/16, and
creates more consistent root reinforce-
ment on the inside of the pipe.
Consistent, High-Quality Results
Shinn Mechanical has had nearly two
years of experience with the RMD and
Pro-Pulse processes and one year with
the PipeWorx Welding System. In that
time, the PipeWorx Welding Systemhas
paid for itself many times over. This new
welding technology consistently produces
x-ray quality results in critical applications
for root, fill, and cap welding. Add in
productivity-enhancing features, such as
quick process changeover, trigger select,
and welding speeds that help accomplish
a daily goal of 200 weld inches, and pip-
efitter/welders such as Steve Sayers say
theres no way they would go back to
older welding technology.
With the PipeWorx setup that weve
got and all of the things that weve
brought in with our [new] shop, its
unbelievably fast, said Sayers. The
fabrication time you save is just unbe-
lievable. I couldnt imagine trying to
do it any other way.
Thanks to Shinn Mechanical for dem-
onstrating its Articulated Weld Boom
for participants at MCAAs Pre-Fab
Seminar in Seattle, WA, May 46,
2011. The Articulating Weld Boom won
the company the 2008 E. Robert Kent
Award for Management Innovation.
For more information about PipeWorx,
visit www.millerwelds.com.
13
Using Get The Points Total Station
Solution software and equipment, Shinn
Mechanical laid out and installed pipe
hangers and sleeves efficiently and
accurately for a parking garage and
rental car office facility for SeaTac
International Airport. Shinn recognized
a significant labor savings compared
with the original installation estimate,
overcoming many of the time-consum-
ing challenges of conventional layout
and point positioning.
Parking Garage Poses Challenges
Shinn Mechanical installed mechani-
cal piping on five levels of garage and
office/tenant space. The parking garage
was constructed using post-tension slabs,
requiring precisely located inserts for
hangers. Post-installed concrete anchors
were not permissible. Furthermore, the
roof structure over the tenant lease space
on the top floor was made up of steel
beams with limited capacity. Hanger
locations had to be detailed and coordi-
nated among the trades to place attach-
ments accurately to the structure while
ensuring that maximum-rated loads for
the beams were not exceeded.
Through the coordination process,
Shinn Mechanical located every hanger
for all hydronic piping within the 3D
AutoCAD model. The question then
became how best to transmit the infor-
mation to the field crews for layout.
Traditional, dimensioned shop drawings
were considered, but this process would
have been labor-intensive and ineffi-
cient given the congestion of trades and
the fact that there were few flat surfaces
for layout. The structure incorporated
compound slopes throughout the garage,
as the slab was broken up into grid sec-
tions with differing grades in multiple
directions. A conventional layout on the
floor would have been extremely time-
consuming.
The benefits of Get The Points Total
Station Solution software and equip-
ment were immediately apparent. Shinn
had little time to spare; the detailer
familiarized himself with the software
and quickly produced the point lists
for input into the Total Station. The
learning curve for the detailer and field
crew was minimal, and Shinn soon had
hanger attachment points installed
ahead of schedule.
One-Touch Positioning Speeds
Layout Time
Trying to shoot a laser to the ceil-
ing presented a problem, but with Get
The Points patent-pending GTP X-Y
Positioner, Shinn was able to identify
the points on the ceiling and on the
ground. The basic concept of the tool is
to get within a foot or so of the desired
point, and then operate the tool with the
touch of a finger, instead of picking up
the prism pole, moving, leveling, and
repeating until a 0,0 read-
out is achieved. This approach
allowed Shinn to speed up lay-
out time even further.
The project also involved exten-
sive seismic bracing require-
ments, which were placed using
the Get The Point Total Station
Solution. With the inputs from
Shinns 3D AutoCAD model,
the system precisely located
all of these components, elimi-
nating conflicts between the
bracing/cables and other trades.
Thanks to the successful instal-
lation and significant labor sav-
ings, Shinn Mechanical intends
to put the Get The Point system
to use on many more projects in
the future.
For more information, visit
www.gogtp.com.
Get The Point Software and System Allow Shinn Mechanical
to Speed Up Piping Installation
Shinn Mechanical saved labor costs and time by using Get The Points Total Station Solution software and equipment to
transmit layout information to field crews installing pipe hangers and sleeves in a parking garage and rental car office
facility for SeaTac International Airport.
14
By using Grinnell Grooved Products
for a new research, education,
and consulting facility at Wright-
Patterson Air Force Base, the Kirk
Williams Company completed an
aggressive 24-month project on
time with reduced labor costs. The
Columbus-based Kirk Williams
included Grinnell Mechanical
Products, a premium brand of Tyco
International, in their bid for the
HVAC and plumbing systems in
the new Human Performance Wing,
a 680,000-square-foot complex in
Dayton, OH.
Because Kirk Williams had worked with
Grinnell products previously, they knew
that Grinnell Products unique grooved
couplings and fittings design and top-
notch Grinnell Mechanical Services
(GMS) team would be assets on this
demanding project. We chose Grinnell
Products for the grooved piping systems
in part because they were able to draft
the mechanical equipment rooms for us,
enabling our drafting department to focus
on the core areas of the building and
keep up with the aggressive MEP coordi-
nation schedule, said Rich Null of Kirk
Williams Company.
Located in the northeastern corner
of the base, this massive complex
includes the newly established 711
Human Performance Wing, as well
as the Navys Aerospace Medical
Research Laboratory and the Air
Forces Physiological Training Unit.
Upon completion in late 2010, it
became the first human-centric war-
fare wing to consolidate research,
education, and consultation under
a single organization. According
to Mark Yates, chief of the U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers Louisville
Kirk Williams Company Selects Grinnell Grooved Products and
Services to Cut Installation Costs on Air Force Base Expansion
Kirk Williams Company relied on Grinnell Grooved Products and the Grinnell Mechanical Services team to meet the aggressive timeline and cut labor costs dramatically
for the new Human Performance Wing at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.
continued on page 18
15
With copper prices at an all-time
high and jobsite copper thefts in the
news, Cincinnati-based Thomas J .
Dyer Company (TJ Dyer) quickly
embraced the alternative polypro-
pylene-random (PP-R) piping by
Aquatherm for the heating system
of a new senior living commu-
nityThe Kenwood by Senior Star.
With its fusion welding process, light
weight, and imperviousness to cold,
Aquatherms Climatherm
pipe sys-
tem allowed TJ Dyer to realize 2025
percent savings in labor costs over
copper piping.
Located on the bluffs of the Ohio
River Valley in Northeast Cincinnati,
The Kenwood includes a 15-story
tower and one three-story residential
building. Climatherm was used on
the high-rises hot water lines feed-
ing Trane heat exchangers, from
four-inch down to 3/4-inch. Chris
Kleinholz, TJ Dyer foreman, appreci-
ated that Climatherm did not require
constant on-site security during the
installation (as copper would have)
and offered other benefits.
Innovative System Is Safer to
Install, More Durable Than
Copper
Aquatherms PP-R pipe systems have
been proven in over 70 countries for
nearly four decades. TJ Dyers major
plan and spec projects manager,
J im Ramsey, was most impressed
with the products longevity and the
Aquatherm warranty.
A key to Aquatherms success is the
fusion welding process that connects
the pipe. The fusion process cre-
ates seamless connections that last
a lifetime when properly executed,
eliminating the need for toxic materi-
als, glues and resins, and open flames
in piping installations. The PP-R
pipe and desired fitting are simply
inserted onto an Aquatherm weld-
ing device and heated for a specified
time (typically only seconds), then
joined together. Once fused, pipes
and fittings have the same physical
properties, eliminating systematic
weaknesses.
Additionally, a faser-composite
layer in the pipe reduces linear
expansion of the pipe by 75 per-
cent compared with other plastics,
ensuring that it hangs rigidly even
when subjected to high operating
temperatures (up to 200 F). Fully
recyclable, Climatherm is designed
specifically for HVAC and industrial
applications.
2025 Percent Labor Savings
We hit a cold spell during installa-
tion, and we didnt have to stop once,
Kleinholz recalled. With copper,
water in the lines would have frozen,
but it didnt with Aquatherm.
Kleinholz added that his crew typi-
cally realized labor savings of 2025
percent versus copper, because there is
no cleaning and fluxing of the pipe and
because Climatherm is lightweight rel-
ative to metal. TJ Dyer installer Dexter
Campbella 30-year industry vet-
eranadded that while there is a learn-
ing curve involved with the Aquatherm
TJ Dyer Cuts Labor Costs by 20 Percent with Aquatherms
Innovative Pipe System
Durable Alternative to Copper, PVC, Allows for Faster, Easier Installation
TJ Dyer saved labor costs by using Aquatherms Climatherm piping for the heating system of The
Kenwood by Senior Star senior living community in Cincinnati. Climatherm installation involves a fusion
weld system that is similar to open-flame welding but faster and safer, while the plastic is lighter than
copper and impervious to cold.
16
Using BuildingAdvice, J .E. Shekell,
Inc., of Evansville, IN, helped a non-
profit human services provider cut
its energy expenses in half, stay in
line with state building code require-
ments, and qualify for energy rebates.
Contractors like J .E. Shekell know
its not enough to promise energy
savings over time by replacing out-
dated systems with new, more effi-
cient ones; those new systems must
demonstrate significant savings
quicklyand meet strict standards to
qualify for utility rebates. Through
a BuildingAdvice Energy Audit
and subsequent improvements, J .E.
Shekell helped the Evansville ARC
(EARC), a nonprofit adult disability
rehabilitation and child daycare facil-
ity, realize dramatic savings.
Desperately Seeking Savings
EARC has had a commercial main-
tenance agreement with J .E. Shekell
for 25 years. Last year, as EARC felt
the recessions effects in decreased
fundraising, the executive director
aggressively sought savings oppor-
tunities to offset the bottom line.
Also in 2010, J .E. Shekell formed its
energy services division. President
Kevin Shekell saw that offering
energy benchmarks, assessments, and
measurement services under energy
service agreements was the key to
finding a new facet of the 33-year
old business. The BuildingAdvice
suite of products has been part of J .E.
Shekells energy services division
since the beginning.
EARCs 36-year-old building was
ripe for improvement. The original,
pneumatic control system was anti-
quated and outdated. The facility
needed a control system to combat
indoor comfort issues, such as wide
temperature swings and temperature
variances between spaces. State
codes require such care facilities
to maintain certain conditions, and
the facility would be in danger of
temporary closure or, in an extreme
case, losing its license, if EARC
could not maintain conditions within
an acceptable range. The leader-
ships top priority was to quantify
what savings they could achieve
with equipment upgrades: upgrades
they knew they needed, but were not
sure they could afford.
The BuildingAdvice
Energy Audit report
showed that improvements
proposed by J.E. Shekell
to EARCs facility could
decrease the annual energy
expenditure of $82,000
by over $50,000 in
under a year.
J .E. Shekell Engineer Aaron Derr
conducted a BuildingAdvice Energy
Audit, which benchmarked the build-
ing at an Energy Star score of 26 (on
a scale of 1100, where 100 is most
efficient) and shared the results with
the EARC Board of Directors. He
then proposed $200,000 in HVAC
project work, which included the
installation of Verify, AirAdvices
comprehensive measurement and veri-
fication tool providing real-time build-
ing performance metrics and giving
building managers intelligence needed
to reduce building energy waste. Derr
used Verify to establish baseline usage
and measure in real time the effect of
the project work: replacement of dual
duct constant volume (CV) boxes with
new dual duct VAV boxes, replace-
ment of pneumatic controls with a
direct digital control (DDC) system,
and installation of variable frequency
drives (VFDs) on the supply and
return fans in the main air handler and
also on the cooling tower fan. The
new control system incorporated the
required logic to sequence all of the
systems equipment together. An addi-
tional $10,000 would go to a lighting
retrofit.
Rapid Return on Investment
The return on investment, or payback
period, on the proposed $210,000
worth of upgrades was predicted to
be less than two years with rebates
and grants. The buildings annual
energy expenditure was $82,000. The
BuildingAdvice Energy Audit report
showed that improvements proposed
by J .E. Shekell could decrease that
cost by over $50,000 in under a year:
an estimated $45,899 per year on
electric and $5,095 on gas.
Naturally, there was a lot of skepti-
cism on the part of the client. The
potential savings were so large, they
really didnt believe they could save
that much. As Derr said, I didnt
believe the numbers myself at first.
Being new to BuildingAdvice, Id not
had an opportunity to field-test their
system and verify their results against
real-time data. But our manual and
model calculations were showing that
they could.
BuildingAdvice Report
Secures Grant
EARC began securing funding for the
upgrades. Based largely on data con-
tained in the BuildingAdvice Energy
Audit report, the Indiana Office of
J.E. Shekell Uses BuildingAdvice to Slash Energy Bills in Half
Energy Audit Results Help Evansville ARC Win Block Grant, Earn Utility Rebates
17
Energy Development awarded EARC
a block grant in April of 2010 total-
ing $100,000. All of the predicted
energy dollars saved came from the
BuildingAdvice report, Derr said.

Led by HVAC & Design/Build
Project Manager Mark Unfried,
J .E. Shekell completed installation
of equipment and control systems
in November 2010. By reviewing
the measurement and verification
data from Verify reports, Derr saw
usage decreases and trends showing
improvement immediately.
The buildings new control system is,
to an extent, pre-programmed by the
manufacturer, but Derr uses Verify to
check its work. For example, controls
had been programmed to set back the
system on evenings and weekends,
but by checking against baseline
measurements at the outset of labor,
reports helped to show that the air
handler was running at low speed
constantly instead of shutting off
when it could. By monitoring these
reports daily, Derr has been able to
work with the control professionals
to optimize the programming.
Instant Results
In the month following equipment
installation, EARC saved 36 percent
in electrical energy and decreased
its bill by $2,065 compared with
the previous years bill for the same
month. What looked good on the
surface became great after the air
handler was reprogrammed. Energy
savings then totaled over 50 percent
less in each of the next two months
compared with previous usage, drop-
ping a total of $5,852. EARC is
on target to achieve the 50-percent
energy savings projectedeven with
current demand charges based on last
summers peak usage. EARC will
see additional savings once the high
demands from the old system are out-
side of the 12-month utility demand
reference window. Derr and EARC
continue to fine-tune the system to
squeeze out every bit of savings.
In early 2011, EARC received
rebates totaling over $20,000 from
their local utility , which uses a
third party to verify proposed sav-
ings before awarding rebates.
The third-party consultants didnt
believe the numbers coming out of
BuildingAdvice either and requested
supporting documentation for all of
the proposed savings and the calcu-
lations behind them. Derr worked
closely with the AirAdvice support
team members to back out, or
expose, all of the BuildingAdvice
calculations into a spreadsheet of
data more commonly produced
by energy engineers, showing all
the calculations manually. The
BuildingAdvice support team pro-
vided that level of detail and worked
directly with the utility consultants
to answer all of their questions.
In comparison with prior utility
bills, the buildings energy usage
has dropped radically. Last years
lowest monthly winter demand was
112 kilowatts, whereas the build-
ing has averaged 50 kilowatts in
demand since the project work was
completed. The company has saved
$7,917 in electric bills over the last
three-month period as compared with
a year ago.
For more information about
BuildingAdvice, visit www.airadvice.
com/solutions.
Left: BuildingAdvice measures Evansville
EARCs energy consumption against compa-
rable buildings usage and provides a metric
on targeted energy efficiency. The detailed
data allowed J.E. Shekell to increase EARCs
energy savings even more after the first
month by optimizing the programming.
Below: The BuildingAdvice report paints a
picture that resonates with customers. These
graphs of the carbon dioxide sensors show
whether a building is reaching ASHRAE stan-
dards and whether there is room to economize
its performance through energy improvements.
18
Districts contracting division, the
project represented the largest single
military construction contract award
in the Louisville Districts history.
GMS Provides Roadmap to
Increased Productivity
The GMS team and Kirk Williams
worked together to develop a stream-
lined division of labor. GMS pro-
vided the roadmap for Kirk Williams,
which then oversaw fabrication
and installation. J ointly, they were
responsible for the design of the
facilitys hydronic hot-water system,
air conditioning system, and over-
all plumbing system. GMS created
a 3D map that outlined the needed
materials and specified every detail,
enabling the pipes to be fabricated
in a controlled environment, labeled,
tagged, and shipped directly to the
site. Grinnell Products process elim-
inates all of the guesswork, because
each piece is identified and matched
so the on-site contractor knows
exactly where each piece fits.
The enormous facility was designed
to house numerous laboratories with
highly technical and secure equip-
ment. The unique needs of these
labs drove the infrastructure design.
For example, bulkheads and other
structural elements could not impede
the laboratory equipment. Numerous
design changes were made on site.
And because the Department of
Defense had placed a strict two-year
timeframe on the construction, with
costly penalties for missing mile-
stone deadlines, construction had
to move forward even before final
designs were completed. We had
five different new construction or
remodel facilities for this project all
being constructed simultaneously.
With a local vendors help, Grinnell
Products was able to keep us sup-
plied with everything we needed at
each location on time. There was no
wasted effort in sorting materials in
order to get it to the right facility,
said Null.
This was a large-scale project that
was completed in record time, said
Michael Bedzyk, senior product
manager for Grinnell Mechanical
Products. Because of the pace and
strict guidelines, design changes
were being made all along the way.
Everyone at Grinnell Products
believes strongly in partnership and
that shows in our on-site management.
We were onsite at least twice a week
for the length of the project. This
ensured that deadlines were met and
that the design and installation pro-
cesses were seamless.
Grooved Products Dramatically
Reduced Labor Costs
By using grooved products instead of
soldering or welding, labor costs were
dramatically reduced. At the outset of
this project, more than 40 plumbers
and pipefitters were onsite at all times.
In the last 12 months of construction,
that number was cut in half.

We are proud of how our team
performed on this project, said J .K.
Williams, owner of Kirk Williams.
To successfully complete a job
of this magnitude under design,
build and fast-track conditions is a
testament to our organization and
our partners on the project and at
Grinnell Mechanical Products. We
look forward to working with all
of the parties involved again in
the future.
grinnell.com.
heat fusion weld, Ive never been a
fan of any plastic, but with this fusion,
its more like welding, and you can see
the bead of the connection.
Campbell continued, It takes a
little more planning, and we did a
lot more prefabbing with it than we
would have with copper, but I would
use it again. It works really well.
PVC might be easier, but its not
nearly as reliable.
The piping installation moved quickly,
with not a single leak reported throughout
the entire project. Additionally, the lighter
weight of the PP-R compared with copper
in four-inch lines was a huge labor-saver.
It was a lot easier working with the three-
and four-inch polypropylene on ladders
than it would have been with copper or
welded pipe, Kleinholz said.
The Climatherm pipe was insulated in
plenums to meet codes, but because it
has a natural R-value of 1, no additional
insulation was necessary, offering addi-
tional material and labor savings.
The heating system has now been
operating for nearly a year. All
reports on the heating system pip-
ing have been positive, and the
key players on the job were most
impressed with Aquatherm. So while
the residents likely have no idea that
an innovative piping product helps
deliver their comfort, the people who
worked on and operate the heating
system know better.
aquathermpipe.com.
GRINNELL
AQUATHERM
19
Mesa Mechanical, Inc. chose Josam
Companys Push-Fit Stainless Steel
Drainage System to address corrosion
in the drainage systems at the famous
Las Vegas Bellagio Hotel and Casino.
The ease of installation helped Mesa
Mechanical stay within budget, and as
the spectacular fountains at the Bellagio
continue to flow properly, so does the
water through the drainage system that
flows behind the scenes.
I am pleased to report that the han-
dling and installation of this system
far exceeded our expectations and thus
allowed the actual labor costs to fall
within the confines of a limited budget,
a crucial component to preserving a
competitive edge in todays market,
said David C. Fata, executive vice presi-
dent of Mesa Mechanical.
The stunning shooting fountains in front
of the Bellagio have become an icon of
beauty associated not only with
this world-famous resort but with
all of Las Vegas. While such
spectacular displays of water
draw the attention of millions
of guests, the possible effects of
a failing drainage system could
produce similar gusts of water
with much different results.
The Bellagio VIP Players Area,
which sits above the account-
ing offices of the casino, is an
important area of the casino that
cannot afford any catastrophes.
Although the piping system in
the VIP Players Area was only
installed approximately 10 years ago,
facility management personnel noticed
that the system was beginning to expe-
rience serious corrosion issues. The
casino made a decision to replace the
drainage system with the Josam Push-
Fit system.
Having been in business for 16 years in
the Las Vegas area, Mesa Mechanical
has witnessed similar corrosion issues
with various casinos. Fata was impressed
by the unique features of the Josam
Push-Fit system, including the ease of
installation thanks to the Push-Fit con-
nection, the minimal cuts and waste
because of the eight different standard
pipe lengths, and the ease of handling
the lightweight stainless steel. Mesa
Mechanicals winning bid on the
Bellagio project estimated that installa-
tion time using the Josam system would
be half that of a cast iron no-hub system.
As with all shipments, the Josam Push-
Fit product arrived at the jobsite with
each piece of pipe individually wrapped
and crated to avoid any damage in ship-
ment. The installation included pipe and
fittings sized from 2 to 4.
Our company has worked with vari-
ous piping systems in the past, and the
J osam Push-Fit system was one of
the easiest to install that we have ever
worked with, said Fata. Cutting the
Mesa Mechanical Bets on Josam Push-Fit Drainage System
to Avoid Corrosion in Casino
Ease of Installation Keeps Project Within Budget
Thanks in part to the Josam Push-Fit products installed by Mesa Mechanical, the drainage system in the VIP
Players Area at the Bellagio Hotel and Casino is flowing as fluently as the spectacular fountains outside.
The Josam Push-Fit Stainless Steel Drainage System was
one of the easiest to install that we have ever worked with,
said Mesa Mechanical Executive Vice President David C.
Fata, and it kept the companys labor costs within budget
for a drainage system replacement project at Las Vegas
Bellagio Hotel and Casino.
20
Action Electrical & Mechanical
Contractors found that the Digio
document management solution by
Jonas helped them streamline their
billing and collection processes, better
identify cost overruns, and improve
information exchange. Going digital
also minimized the need for paper
storage and recycling, saving Action
additional time and money. Digio
filled a need that the Smyrna, GA-
based company had identified many
years ago but put off until the right
solution was available.
Converting to Jonas and Digio
has prompted us to reevaluate our
processes and how we manage our
business, which has made us more
efficient. And thats a very good thing
in this economy, said Actions Chief
Operating Officer, William Redding.
By using Jonas, we now have four
or five people handling the volume of
work that used to be done by seven or
eight employees.
Buried in Paperwork
Like most construction companies,
Action was buried in paperwork. From
job files and invoices to material receiv-
ing tickets and work orders, every activ-
ity was managed on paperand storage
space for the companys paper archives
was running out. As Actions leaders
looked toward the future, they knew
that their current recycling program
wasnt enough. Adopting greener busi-
ness processes that reduced paper would
be important for increasing efficiency,
staying competitive, and supporting the
environment.
Years ago, Redding looked for a stand-
alone document management system
that would integrate with the companys
accounting software. But the options
were limited. The price on the first doc-
ument management system we looked at
blew us out of the water, he recalled. It
had a starting price of $50,000, and there
was no guarantee that it would work with
our current accounting program.
Action decided to table their document
management search and turn their atten-
tion to another pressing need: replacing
their multiple legacy software systems
with a single, integrated solution that
would handle both accounting and
service management. Surprisingly, this
new technology initiative would eventu-
ally solve Actions paper problem.
One Solution Paves the Way
for Another
In 2008, after evaluating nearly a dozen
different construction management sys-
tems, Action purchased Jonas Software.
With Jonas, the company was able
to integrate core accounting func-
tionsincluding job costing, multi-
union payroll, purchasing, inventory,
and equipment managementwith
service management and dispatching.
At the time, Jonas was preparing to
unveil Digio, a full-featured docu-
ment management system for storing,
organizing, managing, and sharing
documents electronically. When we
found out that Jonas was developing
a document management system,
Redding said, we were thrilled.
Action jumped at the chance to use
Digio, which fully integrates with
Jonas and Microsoft Office. In July
2009, Action began their quest to
reduce paper by using Digio to cre-
ate digital archives for completed
work orders that included all related
information, such as the service ticket,
materials used, and customer invoice.
Once a work order is billed, every-
thing prints to Digio automatically,
Redding explained. This approach
streamlines Actions collection process
by eliminating the need to retrieve paper
records from multiple departments when
answering customer questions or mak-
ing collection phone calls.
After successfully using Digio with work
orders, Action migrated many other
paper-based processes to Digio, includ-
ing accounts payable (AP), accounts
receivable (AR), and project close-out.
Digio Saves Time, Improves
Processes
Digio has improved the companys col-
lection process and inter-department
workflow. It also saves time associated
With Digio by Jonas, Action Electrical & Mechanical Contractors
Improves Office Efficiency
Digital Solution Means Instant Information Access and Less Paper
With the Digio document management system from Jonas
Software, Action Electrical & Mechanical Contractors moved from
paper to digital accounting processing, eliminating the need to
print, retrieve, and store paper records from multiple departments.
21
Eager for an alternative to the nearly
impossible task of installing 1,900
guides in the renovation of an occu-
pied building, Edwards Engineering
found the perfect solution by using
Metraflex Metraloop expansion joints
to simplify installation and reduce
labor costs. By using Metraloop joints,
Edwards needed only a fraction of the
guides, saving over 1,200 man-hours in
labor and minimizing the interruption
to the people working in the building.
Edwards Engineering of Elk Grove
Village, IL, began the renovation of the
John C. Kluczynski Federal Building in
Chicago in July 2010. Approximately
$11 million in funds fromthe American
Recovery and Reinvestment Act was bud-
geted to replace the 36-year-old buildings
mechanical equipment and riser pipes as
part of an overall upgrade to meet new
federal guidelines for energy consump-
tion. The 45-story steel-frame Kluczynski
Building contains 1,200,000 square feet of
space and is one of a three-building com-
plex that also includes a U.S. Post Office
and the Everett McKinley Dirksen United
States Courthouse.
Minimizing Disruption in an
Occupied Building
One of the major challenges to
upgrading the mechanical system and
risers is doing it while the building is
occupied, explained Michael J ohnson,
Edwards executive vice president. The
system needs to be installed with the
least amount of flame and using instal-
lation methods that produce as little
odor as possible, minimizing disruption
to work spaces.
There are 44 risers in three tiers, for
a total of 132 risers in the building,
he continued, and all the copper ris-
ers needed compensators to accom-
modate over three inches of calculated
expansion. This meant thousands of
guides would be welded to the build-
ing frame, which was in direct conflict
with minimizing odor and flame. The
drawings called for 264 bellows com-
pensators, two compensators per riser.
Per manufacturers recommendations,
over 1,900 guides would be required to
complete the installation.
With the building occupied and the
work of federal employees to continue
with minimal interruption, finding loca-
tions to install all these guides was next
to impossible. Risers were not always
close enough to structural steel to eas-
ily install guides in proper locations.
Edwards revisited the drawings to find
alternatives to the compensators and
guides originally specified. We needed
to determine a much better solution,
since welding thousands of guides was
really not feasible, explained Johnson.
We found the Metraloop expansion
loop would easily handle the three-inch
movement, plus require significantly
fewer guides, said J ohnson. The
Metraloop installation requires only
one Metraloop per riser and two guides
per Metraloop, for a total of only 264
guidesa fraction of the number of
guides previously required.
The ability of the Metraloop joint
to absorb non-linear expansion also
assisted in the installation of the
piping risers, he continued. In
addition, the dramatic reduction in
the number of guides that needed
to be installed meant less interrup-
tion where people were working and
significantly less labor required to
weld all those guides onto the build-
ing steel. Edwards Engineering
estimated a savings of 912 hours of
Edwards Engineering Saves 1,200 Man-Hours in Federal Building
Retrofit with Metraflex Metraloop Expansion Joints
By switching to Metraflex Metraloop expansion joints instead of a combination of guides and traditional
compensators, Edwards Engineering used a fraction of the number of guides and half the number of move-
ment compensators, saving over 1,200 man-hours in the renovation of Chicagos Kluczynski Federal Building.
22
pipe was achieved with ease, and mak-
ing a joint was easily accomplished
by lubricating the joint and pushing
the spigot and socket together. The
installation of the product supported
every pre-sales statement that J osam
Company made. We experienced virtu-
ally no waste and zero leaks the first
time that we tested the system. The
J osam Push-Fit product is definitely
a good solution to the corrosion prob-
lems that the casinos are experiencing,
and I have every intention of using this
product again.
The Josam Push-Fit system is available
in sizes 1-1/2 through 8 and includes
a full range of pipes, fittings, and hang-
ing accessories. Push-Fit gaskets are
supplied standard as EPDM, and FPM
is available as an option. The products
meet or exceed the performance require-
ments of ASME A112.3.1-2007, and
most products are IAPMO listed under
File #6780. The Josam 316L stainless
steel Push-Fit pipe system is ideal for
areas requiring corrosion resistance and
where a high level of hygiene is impor-
tant. Commercial kitchens, food service,
and food processing applications benefit
from the low total cost of ownership
of the Josam pipe system. In addition,
the product will maintain a consistent
appearance, which is especially impor-
tant for exposed drain pipes inside or
outside the building.
For more information on the Josam
Push-Fit System, visit www.JOSAM.com.
with filing and retrieving documents,
searching for misfiled paperwork, and
getting information to remote job sites.
We have a fairly large field office thats
two hours away, Redding explained.
The project team used to call the main
office to request documents like AP
invoices. With Digio, that information is
now at their fingertips.
Actions shrinking paper job files
demonstrate the time and paper sav-
ings associated with electronic docu-
ment management. Although it was
very time-consuming, we used to put
duplicate copies of purchase orders, AP
invoices, and AR invoices in each job
file, Redding said. Now our project
managers can run a quick query in
Digio and access this information in
moments.
Action also uses Digio to ensure that
they dont overpay on material invoices.
For example, signed receiving tickets
are scanned and filed by job number for
easy reference and reconciliation when
invoices come in, so catching mistakes
like quantity errors on vendor invoices
has never been easier. Spotting potential
job cost overruns is easier, too. If job
numbers look a little off, said Redding,
all the information we need to investi-
gate is in Digio.
Improved customer service is another
benefit Action has realized with Digio.
When a customer calls with a docu-
ment request, Redding stated, we
dont have to say, Let me get back to
you. Instead, we can pull the docu-
ment up in seconds and e-mail it to
them while theyre still on the phone.
Moving Toward a Paperless Future
Looking forward, Action plans to encour-
age their project managers to use the full
power of paperless job files. Digio is
such a great tool, and Jonas is continually
improving it to keep up with new technol-
ogy, Redding said. Action is planning to
further streamline their service operations
by adding Jonas Mobile to their solution.
Our customers are impressed that we use
technology to deliver information to them
faster. Imexcited by the future possibili-
ties with Jonas.
jonassoftware.com.
labor per riser times 132 risers, or
approximately 1,200+man-hours.
The flexible Metraloop expan-
sion joint has virtually no anchor
loads and requires minimal guiding.
Because they are capable of 360-
degree movement, Metraloops help
compensate for building settlement,
thermal expansion, and contraction,
protecting the integrity of a piping
system during a seismic event.
Rapid Response Keeps
Project on Track
Once Edwards determined Metraloops
were the best option to reduce impact
in the buildings retrofit, they worked
with Metraflex to confirm their calcula-
tions and expedite the first shipment of
Metraloops to the worksite. We needed
to install 2 4 Metraloop joints and
needed to start the installations as soon as
possible once we determined the existing
drawing specification could not easily
be accommodated, explained Johnson.
Metraflex was able to ship the first 24
Metraloops within four days.
As the multi-phase mechanical retrofit
continues and more risers have been
replaced, the Metraloop expansion joints
continue to simplify installation and
reduce labor costs. This was really the
perfect solution to our problem, stated
Johnson. If we had to install all those
guides, it would have required a lot of dis-
ruption and a lot of time. The Metraloop
joints have removed the complexity and
streamlined the riser installations.
For more information, visit www.metraflex.
com/metraloop, or contact Metraflex at
info@metraflex.com or 800-631-4347.
JOSAM
JONAS
METRAFLEX
23
Because school construction projects
are often strictly controlled by deadline
dates, Olson Plumbing chose the new
Quad Close Trap Seal device by Jay R.
Smith Mfg. Co. for the Worner Center
renovation project at Colorado College
in Colorado Springs. The Quad Close is
easy to install and to retrofit with exist-
ing drains, so Olson Plumbing knew the
product would save them time and help
them meet their deadline.
Kirk Nelson, project manager for Olson
Plumbing, has experience with trap seal
devices. We have to be finished soon,
and we like to use products that help us
with our time. Installing trap seals are
nothing new to us, but we like using
Smith products, said Nelson. So,
when we found out that they had a new
trap seal product, we wanted to try it.
The Worner Center is a 19,000-square-
foot facility that serves as a central
hub for campus activities at Colorado
College and includes offices, a food
court, a coffeehouse, and much more.
The renovation project focused on a
kitchen area and four mechanical rooms.
It required dozens of 2 and 3 floor
drains and sanitary floor sinks (that
were also Smith products). A Quad
Close Trap Seal Device was used in
every drain installed in the project. The
fact that the Quad Close device func-
tions as a trap seal allows it be used in
tandem with trap primer connections to
provide additional trap seal protection.

The Quad Close is designed to be
installed in the drain body outlet, inside
the throat of the strainer, or inside the
pipe. It is made to handle a wide range of
pipe and internal body diameters. It will
fit inside 2, 3, and 4 PVC and cast
iron pipe. The 3 1/2 model is made to
fit inside a strainer throat with an inside
diameter of 3 1/2. The Quad Close
can also be used in retrofitting existing
drains. It is made from a chemically
resistant elastomeric material that pre-
vents substances such as beer and soda
from sticking to the surface of the device.
The Quad Close creates a watertight
seal and will stay open when water is
flowing into the floor drain and will
close when the water stops flowing.
When closed, the Quad Close prevents
the emission of sewer gas, minimizes
the evaporation of water in the trap,
and helps prevent backup into a build-
ing. The Quad Close meets or surpasses
many of the ASSE 1072 requirements.
Standard trap primer connections on
floor drains with infrequent use can
sometimes allow the trap seal water to
evaporate, which can cause sewer gases
to escape into the room. The Quad
Close can be used to complement floor
drains that have been specified with a
trap primer connection to prevent this
problem. The specially formulated elas-
tomeric material is thicker and more
durable than other trap seals, which
makes it less vulnerable to UV, chemi-
cals, cuts and tears.
Nelson is fully aware of the impor-
tance of workmanship and pricing is in
todays commercial construction mar-
ket. We really want to give our cus-
tomers the best work we can for their
money. The market has changed, so it is
up to us to use new products that allow
us to remain profitable and still produce
quality work, he said.
For more information on the Quad
Close Trap Seal Device, visit www.
jrsmith.com.
Jay R. Smith Mfg. Co. Helps Olson Plumbing Meet Tight Deadline
Ease of Installation Makes New Quad Close Trap Seal a Good Fit for Campus Construction Site
Olson Plumbing chose the easy-to-install Quad Close Trap Seal Device by Jay R. Smith Mfg. Co. to help
save them time and money in renovating Colorado Colleges Worner Center.
24
MCAA Past President Lonnie Colemans
company, Coleman Spohn Corporation,
is so confident that Viega products save
them money on labor and installation,
they built those savings into their bid
to provide Viega ProPress
and Viega
ProRadiant
systems in the University

Hospitals (UH) Ahuja Medical Center
in Beachwood, OH, working in partner-
ship with fellow Ohio contractors Smith
& Oby. Viega ProPress saved us a
lot of money, which we offered to the
owner, said Dave Kause, vice president
of operations at Coleman Spohn. Thats
the incentive we usedthe financial sav-
ings, the ease of installation, and meeting
their schedule.
Together, the two contractors installed
Viega ProPress in sizes 1/21, as well
as Viega ProRadiant S-no-Ice
snow
melting system, throughout the medi-
cal center. We use Viega products on
numerous projects, Kause said. Its
our intent to continue using it. And thats
based on our past experiences.
High-Tech Medical Center Meets
Northern Ohios Needs
The UH Ahuja Medical Center is the most
technologically advanced hospital in Ohio.
Named for UH Board Chairman Monte
Ahuja and his family, who donated $30
million in support of UHs Vision 2010
strategic initiative, the facility occupies
370,000 square feet situated on 53 acres.
The eco-friendly medical center already
has 144 beds, but it plans to expand to
offer 600 beds throughout three phases.
With seven floors of inpatient, outpa-
tient, and emergency services, as well
as a medical office building, UH Ahuja
Medical Center is designed to meet the
medical needs of Cleveland and the
greater community of northeastern Ohio.
Viega Saves Time, Labor
Because installing Viega ProPress saves
time and labor costs, Coleman Spohn
offers that time and labor savings cost
back to the property owner. In many
cases, Kause said, we offer the owner
incentives to go from a traditional solder
to a Viega ProPress application because
of the ease of it. Were so familiar with
the product. Its just easier for our people
in the field.
Mike Brandt, executive vice president and
chief operating officer of Smith & Oby
and an MCAA Board member, expressed
similar feelings about the time and labor
savings that Viega ProPress provides
compared with soldering. It was more
of a cost savings on labor, Brandt said.
Plus, in the future, its easier to add on
to the systemon a Viega ProPress system
than a solder type. If you have to cut into
a tee, its not as hard to do. And you dont
need a hot work permit.
Smith & Oby and Coleman Spohn
installed Viega ProPress throughout the
UH Ahuja Medical Center. They also
installed a Viega ProRadiant S-no-Ice
snow melting systemin the hospital
helicopter pad, parking lots, building
entrances, and sidewalks. Viega Technical
Services helped with the design of the
snow melt systemas well as the location
and quantity of the manifolds.
The Viega engineers worked with
us on the design, Brandt said. They
came out and gave us their training on
the tool. It worked out well. They got
us the answers we needed. They were
very helpful.
Both Brandt and Kause commented on
the reliability of the Viega sales force,
specifically their relationship with Viega
District Manager Josh Dimacchia. We
get great service locally, Kause said.
All our project managers prefer to deal
with Josh and use Viega products.
I think Viega ProPress is a great prod-
uct, Brandt said. Its a much better
installation than the old fashioned solder
joint way.
viega.net.
Viega Systems Save Smith & Oby, Coleman Spohn Money,
Time on Medical Center Installation
Smith & Oby and Coleman Spohn installed Viega ProPress and Viega ProRadiant systems in the University
Hospitals (UH) Ahuja Medical Center in Beachwood, OH, because Viega products save them money on
labor and installation.

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14

To keep pace with fierce competi-

systems in the University

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