Prediction of seismic loadings on wind turbine support structures by response spectrum method considering equivalent modal damping of support structures and reliability level

In this study, a new damping correction factor is proposed to provide an accurate design response spectrum for megawatt (MW) class wind turbines. The predicted response spectra show good agreement with those by time history analysis (THA). An equivalent modal damping of wind turbine support structures is then proposed for response spectrum method (RSM) based on the modal decomposition method for non-classically damped structures. Seismic loadings on wind turbine towers and footings by RSM with the proposed damping correction factor and equivalent modal damping are also investigated and compared with those by THA. Finally, a quantile value between 0.5 and 0.85 in the damping correction factor is calibrated to ensure the same reliability level as evaluated by THA currently used for estimation of seismic loadings on support structures.