This paper describes a new methodology for numerical modelling and structural analysis using the finite element method of GFRP composite covers applied to covering tanks in sewage-treatment plants. The methodology is demonstrated on an exemplary composite cover built in the ZABA Boehringer Ingelheim plant, Germany in 2010. The finite element code MSC.Marc was used for modelling and simulation. The considerations include one-shell geometry of the cover, structural GFRP laminates of specified ply sequences, segment connections of blind rivet nut/bolt type, friction at the interface between the longitudinal flanges of the two-wave segments and between the transverse flanges and the tank walls. The results of the structural analysis of the tank cover include: contours of the total displacements of the design subsystem, diagrams of vertical displacements vs. time at the central nodes at the midspan of the segments, contours of the failure indices with reference to the laminas of the top and bottom segments, tables of failure indices corresponding to the laminas in the span and support sectors of the segments.

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