Howarth Fisher & Associates
Structural Civil & Traffic Engineers, Hobart, Tasmania
Our Civil / Structural Engineering Projects
Here’s a snapshot of some of our most impactful civil and structural engineering projects across Tasmania.
Each project highlights Howarth Fisher’s practical, innovative solutions to complex infrastructure and construction challenges.
Howarth Fisher provided a detailed structural assessment and repair strategy, including lintel removal/reinforcement advice, steelwork condition evaluation, and validation of the proposed repair sequence. We also provided Boyer Mill with a method that the Company can self manage risk by using AUS-SPEC TECH guide TG 403 to provide building facility maintenance management system.
Boyer Papermill Rehabilitation Project
The Western Wall at Norske Skog Boyer had suffered significant structural deterioration due to prolonged exposure to harsh environmental conditions. Concrete lintels and associated steelwork were compromised, raising concerns about the safety, stiffness, and long-term integrity of the machine hall structure.
Granville Harbor Wind Farm
Howarth Fisher was engaged as Client’s Engineer to review designs and develop solutions for site stability and access. We assessed soil conditions, advised on pavement and concrete design, and ensured safe access for construction vehicles — including a 150-tonne crane used to position switchgear and transformers.
TasNetworks faced challenges with poor soil bearing capacity around a new switchyard, impacting the installation of critical infrastructure. Additional concerns included pavement integrity, vehicle access, turning paths, and crane setup for heavy equipment placement.
Howarth Fisher designed a compact, efficient access system tailored to varying ship configurations. We proposed dual landing levels with wrap-around stairs and shortened walkways to optimize alignment and maneuverability, while ensuring structural compliance and ease of use for operators and passengers.
TasPorts Ship Access
Tas Ports required a compliant, modular stair and walkway system to safely access tourist ships. The system needed to include dual-height platforms, wide landings, adjustable walkways up to 20° incline, and the flexibility to lift a 14 m platform into position using a forklift — all while meeting strict Australian Standards
Bellerive Oval Light Tower Assessment
Howarth Fisher coordinated specialist inspections using advanced Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) methods and installed motion sensors to monitor tower movement. Howarth Fisher continues to analyse wind induced light tower sway, and, through third party specialist advice, report on the ongoing conditions of the towers.
Cricket Tasmania engaged Howarth Fisher to assess the structural condition of four large light towers at Bellerive Oval, due to concerns around fatigue cracking, vibration, and cable integrity. The original design documentation was incomplete, preventing confirmation of bolt torque values and acceptable sway limits — posing potential safety and maintenance risks.
Howarth Fisher designed a custom lifting device to cradle the load wheels safely and reduce manual handling. We also assessed mounting options for structural integration and proposed modifications to the cart and surrounding infrastructure, ensuring all solutions met Australian Standards and prioritized safety and operational efficiency.
Gordon Dam Works
The Gordon Dam Man Car system required a safer, more efficient method for handling load wheel replacements. Manual handling posed a safety risk, and there was no purpose-built solution in place to support streamlined maintenance
Lemonthyme Power Station Major Upgrade
Howarth Fisher delivered a series of targeted engineering assessments and design solutions, including a stator jacking study, structural design for heavy component lifts, concrete strength verification, and upgrades to key mounting systems. We also supported the overall station upgrade master plan, ensuring every intervention aligned with operational safety, load capacity, and Australian Standards compliance
Hydro Tasmania required a broad range of structural and mechanical assessments across their power station as part of ongoing upgrades and maintenance. These works included evaluating critical components such as the stator jacking system, MIV plinth, tunnel intake roof panel, servomotor baseplate, and machine foundation strength — all vital to the safe performance of generation equipment.
