The complete process of launching a large-scale slide project: 10 key stages from concept design to safe operation
Successfully implementing a large-scale slide project is far more than just "purchasing and installing equipment". It is a complex system engineering project that involves multiple dimensions such as creativity, engineering, safety, and operation. This guide breaks down the large-scale slide project into 10 key stages, providing a clear roadmap for investors, developers, and operators to ensure that the project can be safely, efficiently, and perfectly realized from concept to reality.
Phase 1: Conceptualization and Feasibility Analysis (Concept & Feasibility)
This is the "birth" stage of the project's core concept, with the core question being "Why do we do this and can it be accomplished?"
Market positioning: Who are the target customers? (Families and children? Young tourists?) And the complementary relationship with other facilities within the park?
Initial idea: Sliding type (high-speed, rotating, interactive?), theme storyline, desired visitor experience.
Site preliminary survey: assessment of usable area, terrain elevation difference, geological conditions, surrounding environment and visual analysis.
Financial projection: Initial investment scope (equipment, infrastructure, soft furnishings), investment return rate (ROI) forecast.
Output: "Project Concept Proposal" and "Preliminary Feasibility Analysis Report".
Phase Two: Professional Consultation and Scheme Deepening (Design Development)
Introduce professional expertise to transform the concept into a feasible technical solution.
Select professional suppliers: Look for amusement equipment companies that have international certifications (EN1176, ASTM), a wealth of case studies, and design capabilities.
Joint design of the scheme: Work together with the designers and engineers of the suppliers to determine:
Core parameters: precise height, length, slope, gliding speed.
Three-dimensional layout: slide path, starting and ending points, queuing area, viewing platform.
Theme Enhancement: Design, Color, Packaging Materials, Interactive Elements (Lighting, Sound Effects, Sprays).
Output: 3D renderings, preliminary floor plan diagrams and technical specification documents.
Phase 3: Compliance Approval and Security Certification (Compliance & Certification)
Ensure that the project operates smoothly in terms of both legal and security aspects.
Local regulations verification: Seek information on construction application requirements from the planning, construction, market supervision, and fire protection departments.
Safety standard lock-in: Clearly define the mandatory standards that the project must follow (such as GB/T 27689 in China, and EN 1176 in the EU).
Third-party certification pre-review: Invite authoritative testing institutions (such as TÜV, SGS) to conduct a preliminary review of the design plan to ensure a successful final acceptance in one go.
Output: Compliance checklist and pre-certification opinion letter.
Phase 4: Detailed Design and Engineering Drawings (Detailed Design)
"The blueprint stage" serves as the sole basis for manufacturing and construction.
Structural engineering design: The load calculations for the supporting structure, foundation design, and seismic and wind resistance analysis are completed by registered structural engineers.
Manufacturer's deep design: The supplier provides a complete set of processing and manufacturing drawings for factory production.
Civil construction coordination design: Provide precise drawings for equipment foundations, embedded parts, drainage, and electrical connection points.
Output: Complete set of construction drawings, structural calculation documents and Bill of Materials (BOM).
Phase 5: Manufacturing and In-Plant Testing (Manufacturing & Factory Acceptance Test)
Quality is created in the factory, not fixed on-site.
Material procurement and processing: Supervising the sources and quality of core materials (such as fiberglass reinforced plastic, stainless steel, and special plastics).
Production process supervision: Regularly check the production progress and processes of the factory (such as the laminating process of fiberglass reinforced plastic, weld quality).
In-plant pre-assembly test (FAT): Before shipment, invite the customers to visit the factory for acceptance inspection, and conduct trial assembly and functional tests of key components.
Output: Product quality certification documents, FAT test reports and packaging and shipping plans.
Phase 6: Site Preparation and Foundation Construction (Site Preparation)
"Great buildings rise from a solid foundation", and the foundation determines long-term stability.
Site clearance and leveling.
Follow the plan: Pour the reinforced concrete foundation and precisely install the pre-installed components (this is the key to the success or failure of the installation!) 。
Public facility pre-installation: Installation of power, drainage, communication and other pipelines.
Output: Basic Engineering Acceptance Report (signed and confirmed by the supplier).
Phase 7: Equipment Installation and Mechanical Completion
This is the core stage, and the professional installation team is of utmost importance.
Component hoisting and assembly: The installation is carried out by a team certified by the supplier, ensuring that each step complies with the process requirements.
Structural adjustment: Ensure that all supporting columns are vertical, connections are tight, and the sliding track joints have a smooth transition.
Initial debugging: Check the smoothness of the slide, test the lighting, water spraying and other auxiliary systems.
Output: Installation process records and mechanical completion confirmation documents.
Phase 8: Final Inspection, Certification and Trial Run (Final Inspection & Commissioning)
The stage where the "license" for safe operation is obtained.
Third-party final inspection: By an authoritative institution for on-site testing, a compliant inspection report or a safety certification certificate will be issued.
Load and safety test: Use sandbags to simulate full-load operation and test the emergency stop system (if any).
Trial operation (SOP verification): Staff members conduct multiple-day trial runs following the standard operating procedures, and record all the data.
Output: Safety certification certificate, trial operation report, and operation and maintenance manual.
Phase 9: Staff Training & Soft Opening
The transition from "equipment" to "experience" hinges on the people.
Graded Training:
Operator: Equipment start-stop, daily inspection, emergency handling.
Waiter: Tourist guidance, rule explanations, posture corrections.
Maintenance technician: Regular maintenance procedures, troubleshooting common faults.
Operational materials in place: safety signs, queue guidance signs, emergency response signs, and visitor information.
Soft launch: Invite a small number of real tourists for stress testing and improve the operation procedures.
Output: Training qualification records, complete operational SOP documents, and opening inspection checklist.
Phase 10: Long-term Maintenance and Continuous Optimization
The implementation of the project is not the end; rather, it marks the beginning of safe and profitable operation.
Carry out preventive maintenance plans: daily, weekly, monthly and annual inspection and maintenance tasks.
Key component life management: Establish a replacement record for vulnerable parts (such as gaskets, sensors).
Data-driven optimization: Collect data such as passenger flow, queuing time, equipment failure rate, etc., for future renovation or marketing decisions.
Regular re-inspections: In accordance with regulatory requirements, arrange annual or regular third-party safety inspections.
Output: Digital maintenance logs, annual safety assessment reports, and continuous improvement plans.
The key to success: Manage the slide project like you manage a construction project.
The essence of a large slide is a special steel structure structure. The secret to success lies in:
Front-end deep involvement: The operation team should get involved from the very beginning of the concept stage to ensure that the design meets the actual operational requirements.
Single responsible party: Try to choose the general contractor that offers "design - manufacture - installation - certification" integrated services, to avoid disputes among multiple parties.
Allocate sufficient time: From design to opening, it is reasonable and necessary to reserve 6 to 12 months for a large and complex slide.
The budget takes into account "full life cycle cost": The initial investment should include the costs for core component replacements and regular certifications over the next 10 years.
By following these ten stages, you will not only obtain a cool amusement facility, but also acquire a long-term asset that is safe and reliable, operates efficiently, is durable, and has a clear return on investment. This is precisely the core path for a professional slide project to evolve from "a fleeting trend" to "lasting classic status".
