REGISTER

Simon Bilston B Eng, MIEAust

Ansaldo STS Australia Pty Ltd (Formerly Union Switch & Signal)

This paper will discuss, as a case study, the design development for the communications system design as undertaken by Ansaldo STS Australia (formerly known as Union Switch & Signal) that will support the Pilbara Iron Ore and Infrastructure Project. This project includes a railway between Port Hedland and Cloud Break mine in the Pilbara region of WA to be constructed for The Pilbara Infrastructure (a subsidiary of the Fortescue Metals Group). Included will be a review of the preliminary project history and the base requirements for the system, followed by discussion on the key processes used to accelerate the decision making process and finally a summary of the key systems presented in the Preliminary Design Report for the communications system.

Ansaldo STS Australia assisted The Pilbara Infrastructure in the initial feasibility process that resulted in a number of important 'directions' that the design was to take in order to minimise TPI's exposure to project and cost risk. The two main directions taken were for the use of microwave radio over an optic fibre solution for the backhaul communications and the use of an analogue voice radio system over a digital system.

The process of "Integrated Project Teams" was utilised to fast track the resolution of key design decisions. The process provided a valuable method for both Ansaldo STS Australia and The Pilbara Infrastructure to quickly explore and agree on a direction when faced with key technical decisions. The process was largely successful with a few noted improvements that will be applied to future projects completed by the Ansaldo STS Australia communications team.

The resultant Preliminary Design Report for the communications system is biased toward robust, proven technical solutions that are fit for purpose and will provide the railway with reliable support for operations both during important initial stages and into the future.