The purpose of a design review is to determine the adequacy of a design specification for an amusement device and the assumptions on which it is based. This is achieved by conducting an independent review of all safety-critical aspects of the device design. The disciplines covered by LTC include Structural, Mechanical, Electrical, Control systems and Civil Engineering.
LTC inspection engineers have many years’ experience in carrying out reviews of various amusement devices, including rollercoasters, roundabouts, water rides and tower rides, as well as activity-based installations, such as ropes courses and wave simulators.
Our client base includes established national and international theme parks, in addition to independent parks and operators. Our capabilities enable us to support a wide scope of client needs, whether installing/modifying a new attraction or an entire park; we can offer advice and support throughout the whole process.
The process involves a comprehensive review of the following:
- Design risk assessment
- Passenger containment analysis
- Structural analysis
- Electrical system analysis
- Control system analysis
- Operations manual review
- Device specific information
- Conducting further investigations necessary to satisfy safety requirements
The LTC design review team uses the latest comprehensive set of computational analysis tools which provides the ability to model complex geometries of ride structures and components, and perform the following analyses;
- Linear analysis to determine static and fatigue loading and verify part performance
- Modal analysis that determines natural frequency, resonance and vibration characteristics
- Advanced transient nonlinear phenomena involving dynamic effects and complex structural behaviours, including plastic deformation under impact loads
All designs and calculations are checked against current applicable standards including EN, ISO, ASTM, Eurocodes, Technical bulletins, HSE publications, as well as being backed up by years of inspection and in-service knowledge.
Safety-related matters may only be proved by testing or other procedures of the assessment of conformity to design and the initial test. A Design Review, Conformity to Design and Initial Test are legal requirements for all devices installed post 1997. A Maturity Design Risk Assessment (MDRA) is a legal requirement for all devices installed pre 1997.
For a full description of design reviews please refer to the HSE publication: Fairground and Amusement Parks – Guidance on Safe Practice (2nd edition), Paragraphs 85-103.