What is SMC Panel Water Tank?

An SMC Panel Water Tank is a modular sectional water tank made from Sheet Molding Compound (SMC) panels, which are a compression-molded form of GRP/FRP material.So SMC panel water tank = FRP panel water tank = GRP panel water tank.

SMC panels are produced by pre-mixing resin and glass fibers into sheet compounds, followed by controlled curing and high-pressure compression molding to form structurally uniform water tank panels.

The panels are bolted together on site to form tanks of different sizes. It is widely used for potable water, industrial water, fire-fighting reserves, and irrigation due to its high strength, corrosion resistance, dimensional stability, and hygienic performance.

SMC sheet → sheet curing → fabric-reinforced compression molding (Mould pressure machine has to be over 1500 tons) → SMC panels → water tank assembly

Sheet material composite machine

First Step: Sheet materials manufacturing

SMC raw materials

Second step: Sheet materials curing

How to make one SMC water tank panel

Third step: How to make one SMC water tank panel

SMC panel water tank

Fourth step: SMC panel water tank

SMC Panel Quality Control For Each Order

To ensure the structural reliability and long-term performance of SMC panels used in our GRP sectional water tanks, comprehensive in-house quality control testing is conducted on panel mechanical behavior under different load conditions.

The testing program evaluates key structural properties of SMC panels, including flexural strength, tensile strength, and compressive performance, verifying their ability to withstand water pressure, panel deformation, and long-term service loads in water tank applications.

Flexural Properties Testing for bending

Flexural Properties Testing

Tensile Properties Testing for composite material

Tensile Properties Testing

Compressive Properties Testing

Compressive Properties Testing

Different Results showing to match your different SMC water tank panel

GB/T 1449-2005 Flexural Strength Test – Sample Taken from the Middle of the SMC water tank panel

Flexural Properties Testing – Evaluates the SMC panel’s bending strength and stiffness under load.

Sample No Sample Width (mm) Sample Thickness (mm) Maximum Load (N) Flexural Strength (MPa)
1 14.74 5.09 578.00 181.63
2 14.88 4.90 588.50 197.67
3 14.84 4.88 557.40 189.13
4 14.75 5.22 638.50 190.64
5 14.75 5.00 605.50 197.04
Average / / 593.50 191.22

GB/T 1447-2005 Tensile Strength Test – Sample Taken from the SMC water tank panel

Tensile Properties Testing – Measures the resistance of the SMC panel to being pulled apart, reflecting its strength and elongation.

Sample No Sample Width (mm) Sample Thickness (mm) Failure Load (N) Tensile Strength (MPa)
1 24.78 5.15 11406.0 89.37
2 24.62 4.93 13362.0 110.08
3 24.73 4.93 12202.0 100.08
4 24.68 4.96 11848.0 96.79
5 24.72 5.00 12780.0 103.40
Average / / 12319.6 99.94

GB/T 1448-2005 Compressive Strength Test – Sample Taken from the SMC water tank panel

Compressive Properties Testing – Determines how the SMC panel behaves under compressive forces, ensuring structural integrity.

Sample No Sample Width (mm) Sample Thickness (mm) Failure Load (N) Compressive Strength (MPa)
1 24.78 10.11 6787.0 122.95
2 24.62 9.93 6581.0 132.55
3 24.73 10.09 6582.5 121.72
4 24.68 10.14 5797.0 103.19
5 24.72 10.13 10392.0 182.22
Average / / 7227.9 132.53

SMC Water Tank Panel Hydrostatic Pressure Test For Each Order

Hydrostatic pressure testing is a critical quality control process used to verify the strength, sealing performance, and durability of SMC (Sheet Mold Compound) water tank panels. Each SMC water tank panel undergoes rigorous water pressure testing before delivery to ensure it meets structural and safety standards.

During the test, the panels are assembled into a tank section and filled with water under controlled pressure conditions, simulating the real-world forces they will face when in use. This helps confirm that:

  • There are no leaks at panel joints or flanges.

  • The panels can withstand the designed water pressure without deformation or failure.

Our SMC water tank panels are tested in accordance with relevant international standards such as BS 7491, SS 245, or custom project specifications.

Hydrostatic pressure testing is an essential step in delivering safe, reliable, and long-lasting water storage solutions for our customers.

FRP water tank panel hydrostatic pressure testing

SMC sectional water tank panel fixed on the hydrostatic machine

Hydrostatic pressure tesing for FRP water tank panel

Fill the required air to check SMC modular water tank panel status

Product Advantages of SMC Water Tank Panels

1) Standardized Panel System, Easy Modular Expansion

SMC water tank panels are produced in standardized dimensions to ensure interchangeable assembly and reliable site installation. By combining standard panels, tanks can be configured into a wide range of capacities while keeping panel quality consistent and replacement convenient.

2) Compression-Molded Uniformity for Stable Strength

SMC panels are manufactured by controlled pre-compounding and high-pressure compression molding. This process delivers uniform thickness, consistent fiber–resin distribution, and stable mechanical performance—critical for resisting long-term hydrostatic load and controlling panel deformation in water tank service.

3) Excellent Corrosion Resistance & Hygienic Performance

Made from GRP/FRP composite (glass fiber reinforced resin system), SMC panels do not rust and provide strong resistance to moisture and many common water storage environments. With appropriate resin formulation and hygienic design, they are well-suited for potable water and municipal water storage projects.

4) Reliable Load-Bearing Performance Verified by Testing

To ensure structural safety, SMC panels undergo mechanical property verification such as flexural, tensile, and compressive testing. These tests validate panel strength, stiffness, and load-bearing capability under real tank working conditions.

5) Smooth Molded Surface & Integrated Color Options

Compression molding produces a dense, smooth panel surface with consistent appearance. Standard colors are available, and selected color options can be provided to match project requirements while maintaining long-lasting surface quality.

6) Fast Installation & Easy Maintenance

Bolted sectional assembly allows faster installation compared with welded or cast-in-place structures. Standard panels also simplify maintenance—individual panels can be replaced when needed without dismantling the entire tank.

SMC Modular Panel Water Tank-SS 245 Standard (Korea Panel Style Design)

Manufactured in accordance with SS 245 requirements, this SMC panel water tank adopts a Korea panel style design featuring full 90-degree flanged edges on all four sides of each panel.
The four-side 90° connection design enhances corner rigidity and panel-to-panel joint strength, allowing uniform load transfer and improved resistance to long-term hydrostatic pressure. Combined with compression-molded SMC panels of consistent thickness and stable mechanical properties, this structural configuration ensures reliable performance, controlled deformation, and secure bolted assembly, making it well suited for potable and municipal water storage applications.

Korea GRP water tank
5m high Korea GRP water tank

Traditional SMC Modular Panel Water Tank (National Standard 12S101)

We make two types of GRP water tanks, one is above Korea SMC panel water tank(SS245 standard), one is below traditional SMC water tank (National Standard 12S101).

Designed in accordance with China National Standard 12S101, this traditional SMC panel water tank adopts a combined flange edge design featuring both 45-degree and 90-degree flanged connections.
The compression-molded SMC panels provide stable mechanical properties and corrosion resistance, and the tank structure is suitable for potable water storage as well as general water supply applications, meeting national standard requirements for strength, hygiene, and long-term service performance.

External reinforcement GRP water tank
12S101 National Standard GRP water tank

Stay In Touch With Us

Global Form