Seismic responses analysis of suction bucket foundation for offshore wind turbine in clays

Suction buckets are widely used as foundations for offshore wind turbines because of its many advantages such as simple structure, convenient installation, low construction cost and reusable. It is very essential to perform the seismic response analysis of suction bucket foundations for the design of offshore wind turbines. However, the related research is still relatively rare. In this research, three-dimensional finite element analysis is performed to predict seismic responses of suction buckets for offshore wind turbines in clays by using a simplified kinematic hardening constitutive model available in the Abaqus library. The seismic bearing mechanism of bucket foundation in clays is investigated, and various factors affecting seismic responses of suction bucket are analyzed, including the soil strength, seismic intensity and frequency, and bucket geometry. The research results can provide a reference for the seismic design of suction bucket foundations for offshore wind turbines. •A simplified kinematic hardening model for undrained dynamic responses of saturated clay is introduced.•Three-dimensional finite element analysis is performed to predict the seismic responses of suction bucket.•Bearing mechanism of suction bucket for offshore wind turbine under seismic loads is revealed.•Effects of various factors on seismic responses of suction bucket foundation are investigated.