Experimental and Parametric Study on Mechanical and Motion Responses of a Novel Air-Floating Tripod Bucket Foundation with Taut Mooring

In the present study, a novel air-floating tripod bucket foundation (AFTBF) with taut mooring is proposed. The mechanical and motion response characteristics of this foundation were investigated through model tests. Furthermore, a parametric study was performed on the factors influencing the RAOs of mooring tension, air cushion pressure, as well as motion in the surge, heave, and pitch directions. The conclusion of this research is as follows: mooring tension, air cushion pressure, and pitch angle exhibit wave-frequency responses in small periods and low-frequency responses in large periods. Surge response is characterized by dual-peak features, while heave response predominantly demonstrates wave-frequency characteristics. As draft increases, the air cushion pressure inside the buckets exhibits a decreasing trend. Changes in water depth have more pronounced impacts on mooring tension and motion responses than on air cushion pressure. The impacts of changes in mooring distance and water depth on mechanical and motion responses are significantly more pronounced than those induced by changes in draft. These findings provide a critical foundation for the optimal design of this foundation in water depths of 30–50 m.