The Monolithic Process

Monolithic Domes are super-insulated, steel-reinforced concrete structures designed as homes, schools, gymnasiums, bulk storage facilities, churches, offices, and as structures for many other uses.

David B. South, president of Monolithic, and his brothers, Barry and Randy, developed an efficient method for building a super-strong, thin-shell, concrete dome using a continuous spray-in-place process.  In 1976, after years of planning and development, they built the first Monolithic Dome in Shelley, Idaho.

In 1979, the first patent was awarded for the Monolithic Dome construction process.  And since 1976, Monolithic Domes have been constructed in most states and many foreign countries.

The Construction Process

A Monolithic Dome starts as a concrete ring foundation, reinforced with steel rebar.  For smaller domes, an integrated floor and ring foundation may be used.  Vertical steel bars embedded in the ring beam footing are later attached to the steel reinforcing of the dome itself.

The Airform is both the form for construction of the dome and the outer roof membrane of the shell when it is finished.  Inflator fans run throughout the construction of the dome shell.  Approximately three inches of polyurethane foam insulation is applied to the interior surface of the Airform.

Steel reinforcing bars, or rebar, are attached to the foam using special "hooks" embeded in the foam.  Rebar is placed in a specially engineered layout of hoop (horizontal) and vertical pattern.  Shotcrete, a special spray mix of concrete, is sprayed onto the interior surface of the polyurethane foam, embedding the rebar.  After three inches of shotcrete are applied, the Monolithic Dome is steel-reinforced, concrete, thin-shell structure.

Benefits of Building a Monolithic Dome

The Monolithic Dome is a permanent structure which is energy efficient, cost effective, disaster resistant and attractive.  Monolithic Domes have real strength.  They can withstand the force of a tornado, hurricane or earthquake, cannot burn, rot or be eaten by insects.  The Monolithic Dome's energy efficiency usually saves fifty percent on heating and cooling costs compared to similar size conventional buildings.