Seismic demands on large‐scale jacket‐supported offshore wind turbines using a risk‐based approach

Abstract Offshore wind is currently considered as a key contributor of renewable energy production globally. Offshore wind farms are now being constructed in seismically active regions worldwide, along with ambitious future expansion plans in countries of moderate to high seismic activity. Nevertheless, long‐term track record regarding the performance of large‐scale offshore wind turbines under earthquake loading is still lacking which urges the need to understand the performance of this type of structures under such events. This study provides insights into the maximum drift and acceleration demands on large‐scale jacket‐supported offshore turbines using a risk‐based approach. A four‐legged, X‐braced reference jacket structure supporting a 10 MW turbine, constructed in a layered sand soil profile and located in a reference site of moderate to high seismicity, is studied. Particular focus is given to the associated hazard‐consistent ground motion selection methodology required for the proper evaluation of the seismic structural system response at different seismic intensity levels where the hazard is driven by different seismic source types. Finally, maximum acceleration and drift demand hazard curves are presented which can aid in further damage and loss assessments of such structures.