PU insulates tornado-resistant Oklahoma school building

Hennessey, Oklahoma – Polyurethane is an integral part of the monolithic dome design of a new multipurpose school gymnasium in Oklahoma. The dome shape allows the FEMA-certified building to withstand winds in excess of 245mph, important in an area prone to tornadoes.

The design and construction of the building is being carried out by South Industries, with the assistance of Wynn Construction as general contractor. It is set for completion ahead of the start of the next school year. The dome will be used as the school gym, and will be a community storm shelter when required.

First, the Airform dome structure is inflated like a balloon, before being sprayed with polyurethane foam to create an insulated, hardened dome shape. Once the foam is set, rebar is placed to create a strong metal framework ahead of the application of shotcrete.

‘Domes are very energy efficient, and very strong. They’ll take a direct hit from an EF5 tornado,’ said South Industries owner Randy South. ‘They make a great school because it protects the kids. These buildings are elegant and especially for the price a school district will pay. The school administrators will find the costs to heat and cool these dome buildings is far less than what they would have to pay if they were using conventional structures.'