Sensitivity analysis of structural behaviors on key design parameters of tripod for offshore wind farm

![CDATA[The tripod foundation has been used as a popular support structure for offshore wind turbine (OWT). Typically, only deterministic computational model is considered by applying relevant standards and codes during the preliminary design of the foundations of OWT. However, uncertain parameters should also be considered in preliminary design due to complex configuration of tripod structure. In order to balance conflicting design parameters against design requirements, uncertainties from both design loads and geometric dimensions of structural components were considered to identify the dominant loads and key structural design parameters for tripod foundation. Nonlinear finite element methods were utilized to investigate the mechanical behaviors of tripod foundation and Monte Carlo simulations (MCS) were conducted to obtain sensitive design parameters of tripod foundation of OWTs. Based on the results, it is highlighted that which design parameters should be considered carefully and which design parameters can be selected relying on engineering judgment during the preliminary structural design stage of tripod foundation.]]