The newsletter discusses BIM (Building Information Modeling) technology that SPC uses. It explains that BIM creates a virtual 3D model of a building and its components. SPC has experience with BIM and uses it for coordination, prefabrication, and facility maintenance. The newsletter also mentions that SPC employees placed first in a weightlifting competition and that the proceeds were donated to charity. Safety is emphasized as a top priority at SPC.

1. THE PIPELINE 2.1.2012
The NewsleTTer for aNd abouT sPC emPloyees
President’s Message
BIM
BIM. Sounds like the so happens that we are at the forefront dent report, I
next big program in the industry since we have been using see that a
from the military, it for several years. We have been doing number of
right? Actually BIM computerized drawings (initially for hole our acci-
is an acronym, but and equipment pad locations) for over dents are
S P E C IAL EDITION
not from the military. 15 years and the CAD process has obvi- either relat-
It stands for Building ously changed dramatically over that time ed to inex-
Information Modeling frame. We are now using this tool for perience or a
Chris Williford and it is one of the coordination with other trades, prefabrica- macho attitude. A special thanks to
newest and most tion of pipe (and now duct) and for hanger We must keep Brandon Cobb in the
powerful construction concepts ever locations. an eye on our
developed. less experienced Drafting and Design
In the future, we expect BIM to become a
BIM is an overall drawing concept that team members Department for submit-
requirement on every project and with our and show them
incorporates very powerful CAD software past experience utilizing BIM, that should ting the BIM content for
in the construction coordination process. the safe way to
give us a competitive advantage. I have work and we
This tool provides much more than coor- this Special Edition.
just touched the surface of this topic. also need to ask
dination. It can provide cost estimates as
it is drawn and it can also provide product Look to hear more about BIM, GPS tech- for help from our
information on any item that is included in nology and the future of construction in coworkers on making heavy lifts. There
the drawings which is an invaluable refer- this newsletter. is nothing wrong with asking for help.
ence tool for the end user of a building. Keeping our accident frequency low is a
Another topic that I want to touch on must! Work safely, follow the rules, and
Why am I writing about this topic? is SAFETY. Maybe you get tired of me work as a team at all times.
Because it is being required on more and addressing this in every newsletter, but it
more projects that we pursue and it just is that important. When I review our acci-
What is BIM?
You may have heard of the term BIM on tain room or how much cooling you would through the building in a 3D virtual world.
many jobsites within the last few years. need in the summer depending on where Collision detection is also a major part of
Building Information Modeling is basically the building is located. The possibilities this software which means that, within
creating a virtual 3D model of intelligent are endless! seconds, it can scan the building and cre-
components required to construct a build- Navisworks is one of the main software ate a list of all collisions within the building.
ing. For example a door in the model will programs that the drafting department As more and more jobs require the use
tell you what size it is and what material it uses to coordinate the mechanical and of BIM, we are well prepared to provide a
is made from; the model can also tell you plumbing systems in a building. With this service that is on the leading edge of this
how much sunlight you would get in a cer- powerful software we are able to walk technology.

2. THE PIPELINE
BIM, GPS, Real-Time Tracking…the future of construction
With all of the technology introduced into of our industry holds. Let me paint a pic- implemented these breakthroughs…
the construction industry in the last ten ture of the construction site of the future Many of the components of the building
years, it is hard to imagine what the future keeping in mind that SPC has already would be prefabricated offsite as they
have been built using BIM and the draw-
ings are downloaded to cutting machines
in prefab shops.
Locations of all material and routing are
downloaded to GPS/Laser locating devic-
es (SPC uses Trimble) for layout of build-
ing systems and support structures.
Finally, material arrives labeled for instal-
lation and tracking. This enables contrac-
tors to instantly see what is being installed
and if any material is not accounted for.
This enables real-time progress tracking
of building.
Construction is going digital faster than
ever!
SPC is Driving BIM Forward
So, how is SPC preparing for the BIM The 2012 changes along with our prefabri- In simplest terms, it means SPC is driving
future? cation abilities push SPC to the next level. BIM forward!
This year, we will incorporate some major
changes to optimize performance in our
Drafting Department.
• First and foremost, we are in the process
of changing our software from CADPipe
to Autocad MEP. This change will allow
us to be more flexible in our material
choices and gives us design capability
for our Design/Build jobs that was not
previously available.
• Secondly, we will be starting hanger
prefabrication. This will give us a much
faster installation time of hangers.
The future Harnett County Hospital in Lillington, NC

3. BIM to FM…SPC to provide 1st for NAVFAC in 2012
The end goal for Building Information maintenance team years down the road
Modeling is to give the owner an intel- to open the model picture on a defective On a side note, Lowe’s is doing the
ligent model that they can use for part and find information such as model very same thing with your home if you
Facilities Maintenance (FM) through the numbers, suppliers, sizes etc.
entire life cycle of the building. This have signed up for myLowe’s Home
SPC’s Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune
requires a massive amount of data to job is the first NAVFAC (Naval Facilities)
Management. It’s amazing to see how
be placed in the model during the entire job to require BIM to FM. Again, SPC things trickle down from commercial
building process. is in the driver seat with this incredible construction into residential.
This value added benefit will allow the technology!
Farmington Heights Youth Center – Wilson, NC Al Pitts, S&R Division Manager
SPC Heating & Cooling completed The HVAC system consists of
a 20,000 square foot youth center seven roof-mounted gas packs
for Farmington Heights Church ranging from 7.5 to 20 tons. The
in Wilson constructed by Ellis- classrooms and bookstore are
Walker Builders, Inc. The youth served by seven 91% natural gas
center is a standalone building furnaces with DX coils and out-
adjacent to the main church cam- door condensing units. Special
pus. The youth center consists of thanks for John Patterson and
game rooms, bookstore, snack Mike Neighbors from the Raleigh
bar, classrooms and worship Division who helped with the
area. The worship area is com- installation of the ductwork for the
plete with sound room, production Worship Area.
stage and lighting system.

4. The Pipeline
Southern Piping Company
Post Office Box 3006
Wilson, NC 27895
THE PIPELINE
Brandon On November 19, 2011, SPC Raleigh Division
Reminders!
Service Technician Brandon Stancil placed first in
Stancil & weight class in the Raw Power bench press and
• Scrap material & proceeds from salvaged
Clayton deadlift contest held at Clayton Fitness. This is
material belong to SPC
Brandon’s first year participating in the contest; he
Raw Power pressed 450 pounds. • Open Enrollment for the new health ben-
This is the fourth year for the contest in our area, efit year begins in June 2012
according to Raw Power Girl (aka Jamie Langdon).
Jamie has been the event coordinator for two • Safety is JOB #1 – Always think safety
years and has been a power lifter since 2003. She first and help your coworkers work safe
has state, national, regional, American, and World • Have you moved? Had a child? Married or
records.
Divorced? These and other life changing
All proceeds from the contest are donated to events may necessitate that you update
Johnston County Special Olympics. In 2010, $1496 your tax status, beneficiary on 401K or
was donated. The money was used to buy uniforms Life Insurance, add or remove dependents
and equipment, and also for travel expenses for the
from your benefits or more! Be sure to
athletes. This year, $2260 was raised.
update Human Resources of all changes
If you want to help Jamie with a Special Olympics and request guidance on what you may
donation, see the Facebook page at Raw Power
need to update
Blast or contact Jamie at rawpowergirl@aol.com.
• Visit www.southernpiping.com and click on
the employee login link to access employ-
ee policy and benefit information as well
If you would like to submit an article for the newsletter, please as frequently requested forms
email the article to Estie.mccullough@southernpiping.com