The contribution describes the application of the Stochastic Subspace-based Damage Detection (SSDD) method on model structures for an utilization of this approach on offshore wind turbine structures. Aim of the study was therefore to analyze the usability and efficiency of the detection method as well as to determine an optimized set of parameter for realistic damage on support structures of wind energy turbines. Based on results of an experimental fatigue test on a steel frame laboratory structure a strategy for a numerical verification of the experimentally evolved damage detection was developed, utilizing a time integration approach to simulate the dynamic response. In a second step the identified modeling and computing methodology is used to numerically investigate the ability to detect damage in real size structural components of offshore wind turbines.