Canada dome

The Monolithic Dome that was recently inflated in Canada to store frac sand. (Mike South)


Storage domes featured in Dry Cargo International

Monolithic Domes make excellent storage structures, and they are again featured in the industry publication Dry Cargo International. The advantages Monolithic Domes have are also attractive to the storage industry, notably fire safety and climate control.

The article is featured in the magazine’s February 2018 issue. The publication also featured Monolithic Domes in its November 2016 , February 2017, and November 2017 issues. The magazine has a circulation of more than 6,500 readers in the industry. Additionally, its website receives more than 130,000 hits a month.

The article is titled “Superb storage in Monolithic Domes.” It discusses how a Monolithic Dome is constructed, the general advantages of the structure, and a frac sand dome recently built in Canada.

Below are two excerpts from the article;

There is a structure in the industry that is creating a safe and secure storage environment: the Monolithic Dome. These are foam-insulated, rebar-reinforced concrete structures. Monolithic Domes serve as storage facilities around the world and hold a variety of commodities such as grain, coal, fertilizer, ammonium nitrate, cement, coal, fruits, vegetables, pesticides, and more. Each commodity is safely stored inside the dome, protected from exterior elements. Due to their round design, these structures are free of corners and able to minimize dead space inside.

There is a special construction method for the Monolithic Domes that gives them their unique properties and makes them ideal storage structures. The first step to a Monolithic Dome is a concrete ring foundation reinforced with steel rebar. After the foundation is in place, a large membrane called an Airform is placed over the foundation and inflated using large blower fans. After the inflation is complete, two to three inches of polyurethane foam is sprayed to the interior of the Airform. After the foam is sprayed, a special layout of steel reinforcing rebar is attached to the foam. The final step to a build a Monolithic Dome is to spray a special spray mixture of concrete called shotcrete to the interior surface of the dome.

For more information about the magazine visit its website or follow the magazine on Twitter.

Article first page

The first page of the article in the magazine. (Dry Cargo International)

Second page

The second page of the article. (Dry Cargo International)