Hobart Airport Terminal Expansion
Delivering a major terminal expansion while maintaining full airport operations required precise structural planning and staging. ADG provided structural engineering services for the $200M Hobart Airport upgrade in Cambridge, enabling growth to 3.5 million passengers annually without disrupting passenger movement or airport operations.
Terminal expansion supporting long term growth
Annual passenger capacity increased
Boarding gates increased from 5 to 7
Design Life
Working in a live operational airport
A defining challenge of the project is the need for the airport to remain fully operational through construction.
- Construction staging must minimise impacts to airport operations and terminal services, including air conditioning, electrical, fire, access and security systems.
- Structural works are spread across active terminal zones including the Departures Hall, Arrivals Terminal, Baggage Make-Up Hall and associated support infrastructure.
- ADG’s understanding of both permanent and temporary structural engineering has supported innovative sequencing and staging so construction can proceed safely while the terminal remains in use.
Integrating new works with existing infrastructure
The expansion involves more than new construction. It also requires existing structures to be assessed, checked and, where needed, strengthened to align with the project’s requirements.
- ADG assessed existing conditions, structural performance and compliance with Australian Standards, including elements already under construction or fabricated.
- A detailed structural analysis model was developed to identify insufficient ultimate limit state strength capacity and non-conformance with serviceability limit requirements.
- Practical strengthening solutions were then proposed to address identified issues while supporting continued project delivery.
Maintaining confidence through construction
The project requires ongoing technical oversight during delivery, not just upfront design input.
- ADG’s scope includes construction documentation, inspections and certification to verify structural integrity and compliance as works progress.
- Strengthening solutions and design responses were documented through detailed mark-up drawings and supported through Safety in Design Reviews.
- Rigorous internal QA reviews and consistent documentation have helped navigate the complexity of the project and reduce the risk of delay.
ADG was appointed as the engineering consultant and has provided structural design services across review, documentation and construction-phase assurance for the terminal expansion and upgrade.
Detailed structural analysis was undertaken to assess performance and compliance of existing works, identifying areas requiring modification or strengthening. These solutions were documented clearly to support efficient construction delivery and reduce downstream complications.
Ongoing involvement during construction ensures structural integrity is verified as works progress, with inspection and certification supporting compliance across all stages of delivery. Major elements including terminal structures, façades and awnings have progressed through construction with ADG providing continuous technical oversight.
Risk mitigation
Early structural assessment and detailed modelling identified capacity issues and compliance gaps before construction impacts could occur. Targeted strengthening solutions and clear documentation reduced uncertainty on site, avoiding rework and delays. Ongoing involvement during construction provided real-time assurance, helping manage evolving conditions and maintain programme certainty.
Future-ready infrastructure
The upgraded terminal is designed to support long-term passenger growth and operational performance, with a 50-year lifecycle aligned to future demand. The expanded terminal accommodates increased capacity, improved flow and evolving airport requirements, with a design life aligned to future demand. This ensures the airport can adapt, expand and operate efficiently as passenger numbers grow.
Engineers who know construction.
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