Monolithic Domes: Surviving Bullets, Projectiles, Tornadoes

The rifle used in this test was a Ruger 10/22, using a very standard 40 grain projectile. Damage from this rifle was minimal.

The rifle used in this test was a Ruger 10/22, using a very standard 40 grain projectile. Damage from this rifle was minimal. (Mike South)

The pistol used in this demonstration was a TZ-75 9mm, using a 115 grain full metal jacket projectile. The 9mm was able to break the concrete block, but there was no penetration into the Monolithic Dome.

The pistol used in this demonstration was a TZ-75 9mm, using a 115 grain full metal jacket projectile. The 9mm was able to break the concrete block, but there was no penetration into the Monolithic Dome. (Mike South)

The pistol used in this demonstration was a TZ-75 9mm, using a 147 grain hollow point projectile. This heavier round did similar damage, but did not penetrate the Monolithic Dome.

The pistol used in this demonstration was a TZ-75 9mm, using a 147 grain hollow point projectile. This heavier round did similar damage, but did not penetrate the Monolithic Dome. (Mike South)

This is a Remington 12 gauge shotgun. For this test, we used a 400 grain slug. This round was very heavy, and it destroyed the cinder block, but there was no penetration into the Monolithic Dome.

This is a Remington 12 gauge shotgun. For this test, we used a 400 grain slug. This round was very heavy, and it destroyed the cinder block, but there was no penetration into the Monolithic Dome. (Mike South)

The rifle used in this test was a Winchester 30-30, with a 40 grain hunting round. The rifle destroyed the block, but there was no penetration into the Monolithic Dome.

The rifle used in this test was a Winchester 30-30, with a 40 grain hunting round. The rifle destroyed the block, but there was no penetration into the Monolithic Dome. (Mike South)

This rifle is a 30-06 and is by far the most powerful projectile that we shot at the Monolithic Dome. For this test we used a 180 grain, full metal jack round. It destroyed the cinder block. There was no penetration into the Monolithic Dome. By the top left picture, you can see that the projectile hit the dome and was deflected up the dome shell.

This rifle is a 30-06 and is by far the most powerful projectile that we shot at the Monolithic Dome. For this test we used a 180 grain, full metal jack round. It destroyed the cinder block. There was no penetration into the Monolithic Dome. By the top left picture, you can see that the projectile hit the dome and was deflected up the dome shell. (Mike South)

This image further explains what happens to a projectile that hits the Monolithic Dome. A powerful round is first slowed by the Airform and foam, then is deflected by the hard inner shell and is trapped between the foam and concrete.

This image further explains what happens to a projectile that hits the Monolithic Dome. A powerful round is first slowed by the Airform and foam, then is deflected by the hard inner shell and is trapped between the foam and concrete. (Mike South)