Case Study: Bloomington ISD – Rapid Response & Full Restoration After Storm-Induced Airform Failure

Client & Project Overview:

• Client: Bloomington Independent School District (ISD)
• Structure: Bloomington Elementary School Monolithic Dome
• Location: Bloomington, Texas
• Project Timeline: Emergency Response October 2023; Full Restoration Completed Early 2024

The Challenge: Catastrophic Airform Failure Threatens School Operations

In October 2023, Bloomington Elementary School experienced a critical infrastructure emergency. A freak storm unleashed its fury on their monolithic dome, a vital part of the school’s facilities, causing a catastrophic failure of its airform membrane.

This sudden and extensive damage presented immediate and severe pain points for Bloomington ISD:

• Operational Disruption: The dome, potentially used for activities like a gymnasium, cafeteria, or multi-purpose hall, was rendered unusable, significantly disrupting school routines and events.
• Safety Concerns: A compromised dome envelope posed immediate safety risks to students and staff from potential falling debris, further weather intrusion, or instability.
• Risk of Escalating Damage: With the protective airform breached, the underlying insulation and concrete shell were exposed to the elements, risking rapid water saturation, insulation degradation, and potential long-term structural damage if not addressed immediately.
• Urgent Need for Expertise: The specialized nature of monolithic dome construction meant that a quick, effective, and knowledgeable repair solution was paramount.

The clock was ticking for Bloomington ISD. They needed a trusted partner who could respond rapidly, stabilize the situation, and provide a comprehensive, long-term solution.

The Structure Dome Restoration Solution: Phased Approach for Immediate Safety & Lasting Recovery

Upon receiving a recommendation, the Bloomington ISD maintenance staff urgently contacted Structure Dome Restoration. Our response was immediate:

1. Rapid On-Site Assessment (Within 24 Hours): Understanding the critical nature of the situation, Structure Dome Restoration dispatched an expert evaluation team to Bloomington Elementary the very next day. This allowed for a swift and accurate assessment of the airform failure’s extent and the immediate risks to the structure and its usability.
   
   
2. Emergency Stabilization & Repairs (Within One Week): Recognizing the urgency, Structure Dome Restoration mobilized a specialized crew and was on-site in less than a week to implement critical emergency repairs. This initial phase focused on:
   
   • Securing any loose or damaged sections of the airform to prevent further tearing or safety hazards.
   • Implementing temporary waterproofing measures to protect the dome’s interior and underlying layers from ongoing weather exposure.
   • Ensuring the dome was stabilized to prevent any immediate escalation of the damage. These rapid actions were crucial in mitigating further losses and making the site safe.
     
     
3. Comprehensive Full Restoration Plan: Following the successful emergency stabilization, Structure Dome Restoration worked closely with Bloomington ISD to develop a plan for the complete and lasting restoration of the dome. This involved:
   
   • Detailed planning for the removal of the failed airform.
   • Thorough inspection and repair of any damage to the underlying polyurethane foam insulation and concrete shell that may have occurred due to the storm or subsequent exposure.
   • Application of a new, high-performance airform membrane or a compatible advanced coating system, ensuring a seamless, durable, and fully waterproof exterior designed for long-term performance in the Texas climate.
     
     
4. Scheduled Project Execution: The full restoration was meticulously scheduled and executed a few months later, working around the school’s needs where possible, to bring the dome back to optimal condition.

The Results & Benefits: A Restored Asset and Peace of Mind for Bloomington ISD

Through Structure Dome Restoration’s swift emergency response and expert full restoration, Bloomington Elementary School’s monolithic dome was transformed from a critically damaged structure to a fully functional and secure asset.

• Minimized Disruption: The rapid emergency repairs significantly reduced the period of acute vulnerability and helped pave the way for a planned, more controlled full restoration.
  
  
• Prevention of Further Damage: Quick intervention protected the dome’s insulation and structural concrete from extensive water damage and degradation, saving potentially hundreds of thousands in more complex repairs.
  
  
• Restored Safety and Functionality: The dome was returned to a safe, usable condition, allowing school activities to resume without the threat of environmental intrusion or structural concerns.
  
  
• Long-Term Protection: The full restoration, utilizing high-quality materials and expert application, has ensured the dome will continue to serve Bloomington Elementary reliably for many years to come.
  
  
• Trusted Partnership: Bloomington ISD experienced firsthand the value of a specialized, responsive, and capable dome restoration partner.

Facing a Dome Emergency or Concerned About Your Dome’s Integrity After a Storm? Don’t Wait for Damage to Escalate. Contact Structure Dome Restoration for Rapid, Expert Assessment and Proven Restoration Solutions.