The Railway History The West Coast Wilderness Railway began operations back in 1897 as the only link between Queenstown and the port of Strahan. The railway was the only way to get copper from the mine at Queenstown to markets. Until 1932, when a Hobart road link was completed, it was the only access through to Queenstown. The railway ceased operation on 10 August 1963 due to increasing maintenance costs and the improvement of road access to the West Coast from the north with the opening of the Murchison Highway. In the early 1990’s the railway was reconstructed and in 2003 was reopened as a tourist experience with a focus on sharing the history of Tasmania's West Coast The Task JMG were requested by the West Coast Wilderness Railway to assist in risk mitigation with two bridges. With a Geotechnical Engineering report highlighting Bridges 16 and 19 on the 35km long track that were placed in landslip zones. Any movement of these bridges would need to provide the train driver with visual indication of an issue with the bridges while providing sufficient time for the train to stop before reaching the bridge. It was clear some form of monitoring needed to be installed on these bridges, exactly how and what that monitoring device and its means of operation was the next challenge. The Challenges A remote site with zero mobile phone coverage and access to power highlighted its challenges. The engineering team needed to design a monitoring system for the bridges that was self sufficient in terms of power and of course reliable under all conditions. The team selected a MEMS uniaxial tilt meter sourced directly from the UK. This device being powered by 12V DC meant solar power could provide the necessary power. The next challenge was the alarming devices. How do we visually notify the driver, and how do we transfer this alarm some 100m away from the bridge itself, hard wiring this was not an option. The Solution We selected a series of Wireless IO devices to communicate via RF between strategically placed enclosures. Each enclosure contains a 12V battery, Wireless IO Devices and is charged via a 12V Solar Panel. The visual alarm was provided by a Red Flashing LED lamp placed to gain the maximum amount of visual for the train driver. Failure of wireless devices is also managed through failsafe relays, thus reducing the risk of a communication failure causing an alarm not being relayed. The entire system was designed, installed and commissioned by our team. With initial site visits to investigate bridge/enclosure locations and understand the environment. The bridge monitoring systems were installed in early October with installation and commissioning completed in 3 days.

Integrated into the historic Theatre Royal, The Hedberg is a major creative industries and performing arts development being undertaken by the University of Tasmania with the Commonwealth and Tasmanian governments. The project incorporates improvements to the Theatre Royal, including revitalised foyers and backstage areas, and new administration offices; a new UTAS Conservatorium of Music with dedicated practice, teaching and laboratory spaces; and three new high grade performance spaces, the Studio Theatre (taking over from the demolished Backspace Theatre), a 200 seat Recital Hall, and the flexible Salon for performance, rehearsal, broadcast and/or recording. Working closely with Arup’s renowned acoustics and theatre team has provided invaluable experience in services engineering for a high-grade production, performance and music education facility: the resilient details of box-in-box construction services penetrations; low velocity displacement conditioning to performance spaces; and significant acoustic treatment of plant, ductwork and pipework - including over 180 duct mounted sound attenuators throughout the installation.

Air conditioning systems in the Pharos wing have been designed to facilitate ASHRAE AA Class of Control. Air distribution systems have adopted low velocity, displacement philosophies for minimal visibility. Consideration of building pressurisation was also important in minimising intrusion of oil-based fumes entering the rest of the complex. Mechanical systems in the Siloam wing include artwork critical systems: purge cooling systems and negative pressurisation of the heat and water intense Inferno; stratification layering and purge control for cloud formation in Paradiso; and controlled environment systems serving Solstice chamber. Electrical systems were carefully integrated into the building fabric to reduce their visual impact yet maintain flexibility required in gallery spaces. Lighting was carefully designed to accentuate architectural features and enhance the artworks. Careful coordination allowed areas such as the thirty five metre long Middle Tunnel to have all services seamlessly hidden, ensuring all visitors are completely immersed by Chris Townend’s sound installation. Fire alarm and detection systems included a mix of aspirating smoke detector pipework cast directly into the concrete ceilings and addressable smoke detectors.

Mechanical – JMG – Engineers & Planners

Q: The Friends' School - Farrall Centre

Designed for the performing arts the Farrall Centre encompasses a large 800 seat auditorium, recording rooms and a large foyer. The Assembly Hall is designed with a state of the art energy efficient air handling system to and provides a highly flexible and functional space. The Auditorium features a timber ‘wave’ ceiling, which incorporates stage lighting and audio-visual speaker systems. This project set a new standard for boutique performance facilities in Tasmania. JMG undertook all building services engineering aspects of this project including design of specialist lighting, and assisted with the audiovisual requirements. Engineering features of the Auditorium include: • High outdoor rates to achieve high occupant comfort, and increased air efficiency through a heat exchanger system • Dynalite programmable lighting control system for multi-scene lighting selection • Sophisticated audio-visual system incorporating dedicated biobox and stage facilities designed to recording standard for small to large performances • Rain water harvesting and storage system • Integrated design of services pathways (ducts, cables, pipework) with building elements to accommodate spatial constraints. For additional information on JMG’s building and electrical services, contact Chris Holloway on (03) 62312555 or email contact.hbt@jmg.net.au. For more information on the development of the Friends’ School Farrall Centre, click here.

Abt Railway Bridges

Infrastructure, Mechanical

Abt Railway Bridges

Infrastructure, Mechanical

Tony Wise2020-02-05T15:19:15+11:00

The Railway History The West Coast Wilderness Railway began operations back in 1897 as the only link between Queenstown and the port of Strahan. The railway was the only way [...]

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Hedberg Building

Mechanical

Hedberg Building

Mechanical

Tony Wise2020-01-31T15:58:08+11:00

Integrated into the historic Theatre Royal, The Hedberg is a major creative industries and performing arts development being undertaken by the University of Tasmania with the Commonwealth and Tasmanian governments. [...]

Learn More

MONA PHAROS & SILOAM

Electrical, Mechanical

MONA PHAROS & SILOAM

Electrical, Mechanical

Tony Wise2020-01-31T16:01:01+11:00

Air conditioning systems in the Pharos wing have been designed to facilitate ASHRAE AA Class of Control. Air distribution systems have adopted low velocity, displacement philosophies for minimal visibility. Consideration [...]

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ICON/Myer Redevelopment

Commercial, Feature Project, Hydraulic, Mechanical, Structural

ICON/Myer Redevelopment

Commercial, Feature Project, Hydraulic, Mechanical, Structural

sshelley2016-11-11T01:57:34+11:00

Client: Kalis Properties Pty Ltd Year: 2014-2016 On the afternoon of 22 September 2007, a fire broke out in the Myer store in the centre of the Hobart CBD, which [...]

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Royal Hobart Hospital ICU/HDU Unit

Awards, Electrical, Feature Project, Infrastructure, Mechanical, Structural

Royal Hobart Hospital ICU/HDU Unit

Awards, Electrical, Feature Project, Infrastructure, Mechanical, Structural

sshelley2017-02-03T16:46:52+11:00

Client: Royal Hobart Hospital Year: 2010-2013 JMG teamed up with Vincent Chrisp Architects over 2010-2013 to deliver a $25 suite or works at the Royal Hobart Hospital which included an [...]

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The Friends’ School – Farrall Centre

Education, Mechanical

The Friends’ School – Farrall Centre

Education, Mechanical

sshelley2016-07-01T07:49:01+10:00

JMG provided design coordination for Mechanical, Electrical, Communication, Fire and Hydraulic services for an 800 seat auditorium, practice rooms and function spaces for the Friend's School in Hobart.

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