Engineering consultancy, Frazer-Nash, has completed a design validation of outdoor playground equipment produced by SMP Playgrounds. 

The appointment of an engineering consultancy is an unusual step for some playground equipment manufacturers.  However, SMP took the step to further enhance its reputation as a producer of equipment that is exciting, stylish and challenging whilst still being safe and durable.  Frazer-Nash is best known for its systems engineering work in a number of other sectors including transport, defence and power.

SMP Playgrounds appointed the consultancy to look at equipment in its Nexus range, in order to verify the safety margins and robustness of its new designs.  By using the loading criteria in the Playground safety standard EN 1176 and making assumptions about the likely frequency and type of use (including potential misuse), the consultancy was able to calculate the strength reserves based on a technical analysis of the geometry and materials used to create the equipment.

The project was the second that Frazer-Nash has completed for SMP, following work on its Vortex equipment.

Dave Richards, project manager for Frazer-Nash commented:
“SMP Playgrounds did not need assistance with design ideas, but by working closely with them we have been able to accurately verify that the Nexus design can withstand sustained use.  Clearly this is an important factor when selling equipment that will be used by children for many years to come.

“Our work has involved devising a load regime that it will be subjected to and then using this to check that the design is up to it. Through understanding the load regime we’ve been able to advise the SMP on design changes that might enhance its integrity and life.”

Andrew Yates, technical director at SMP Playgrounds added:
“As a company we support the principles of good design alongside engineering excellence.  Safety and durability are both very important factors when designing free access products of this type and are of paramount concern to us. We take the view that investment in specialist expertise is a worthwhile step in order to help us guarantee to customers that our designs are robust.  We’re really pleased that by working with Frazer-Nash we’ve been able to develop designs that are still challenging, exciting and appealing to a range of age groups, but also built to withstand regular use.”