# FEA for Optimizing Design and Fabrication of Frame Structure of Elevating Work Platforms
## 1 Introduction
For agricultural applications, FEA can analyze the impact of dynamic forces--such as those generated during pruning--and select materials that maximize the strength-to-weight ratio while withstanding outdoor conditions [16]. Recent developments in boom design have further advanced the use of FEA for structural optimization. Comparative analysis had been conducted on telescopic booms with square and hexagonal cross-sections using ABAQUS [17]. The results showed that hexagonal profiles offered superior load-bearing performance while reducing structural weight, highlighting the potential of geometric refinement for enhancing strength and minimizing material usage in mobile structures. In a separate application [18; 19; 20], ANSYS-based FEA was used to evaluate structural weaknesses in a three-point hitch agricultural cultivator. The study effectively identified high-risk zones under field conditions, demonstrating how simulation can inform material reinforcement and design optimization for rugged terrain machinery. Despite the extensive use of FEA in industrial and construction EWPs, its application to agricultural platforms--specifically the telescopic arm design--has received limited attention [21; 22]. This study addresses this gap by applying FEA to analyze and compare the structural performance of four materials commonly considered in EWP construction: two Aluminum Alloys (EN-AW 1200 and EN-AW 2014) and two High-Strength Low-Alloy Steels (Fe275 JR and S700). The main objectives of this research were (1) to identify stress concentrations and potential failure points in the telescopic arm under various loads typical of agricultural use; (2) to select the material that offers the best combination of strength, durability, and weight efficiency; and (3) to provide insights that can guide manufacturers in developing EWPs that are both safe and practical for agricultural operations. In this study, the analysis of wind load was prioritized, as wind represents a significant external factor affecting the stability and safety of EWPs, especially in outdoor agricultural settings. According to UNI EN 280, wind load can critically influence the platform's structural behavior during field operations, making it a key design consideration. Compared with other load conditions--such as platform weight and nominal user loads--wind load introduces unpredictable and dynamic lateral forces that critically affect the platform's structural behavior. While dead loads act vertically and remain constant, wind loads induce bending, torsional, and shear stresses, especially at the fully extended arm. Moreover, in agricultural environments, wind conditions can change rapidly and unpredictably, making this factor even more relevant than typical operational loads in ensuring safety and structural integrity during pruning operations. By focusing on wind load, this research ensures that the telescopic arm design can maintain stability and performance even under adverse weather conditions, a crucial aspect for agricultural EWPs, which often operate in open, unpredictable environments. By focusing on these research questions, this study aimed to fill an important gap in the literature and provide practical recommendations for the design of safer, lighter, and more efficient agricultural EWPs.