GHD engineers new neuroscience department at Monash University
27 November 2018
GHD: As the principal engineering consultant, GHD is proud to assist Monash University to design and deliver the new department of neuroscience at the Alfred Research Alliance precinct in Melbourne.
The new facility is part of
Monash’s expansion into new neuroscience research streams with the aim
of developing new treatments for brain diseases.
Officially opened by the Australian Minister for Health, The Hon Greg
Hunt MP, this new state-of-the-art biomedical research facility includes
Physical Contaminated 2 (PC2) research labs, a sophisticated medical
imaging MRI suite a and Pet-CT scanner.
Monash University engaged GHD to provide civil, structural, mechanical,
electrical and hydraulic services for the new facility.
“Our team used our extensive experience in designing laboratories,
hospitals and healthcare facilities to deliver this complex project,
which will help advance medical treatment in Australia and globally,”
says Micheal Labib, GHD’s Technical Director – Building Services.
According to Micheal, the main design challenge was establishing a PC2
laboratory within an area designed for general office accommodation.
“Unlike other types of
buildings, a PC2 facility has to maintain a constant negative
internal pressure relative to the external air pressure in order to
contain any microorganisms that may be present. The negative pressure
status has to be constantly monitored with pressure displays and audible
alarm systems,” Micheal adds.
“On top of the conventional power, data and security requirements, these
types of laboratories need backup electrical systems for a variety of
lab equipment as well mechanical ventilations systems.”
“Having been involved in the feasibility studies for the lab, our team
demonstrated a good understanding of the existing services limitations
and the required upgrades necessary to accommodate the new facility,”
Micheal concludes.
“This helped reduce the time needed to verify the existing plant and
infrastructure capacity, and to confirm that the high laboratory loads
could be catered for by the existing equipment and systems.”
This project continues GHD’s association with the university. The
company previously provided a variety of engineering services for the
refurbishment of Monash University's Central Clinical School.
Click here to watch a virtual tour of the new facility, https://youtu.be/eXqUiYqzc5g.
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Source: GHD - www.ghd.com
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External Links: https://youtu.be/eXqUiYqzc5g
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