The new floor will be a monolithic slab with reinforced 2-ft-by-3-ft concrete beams on 15-ft centers, interlocked to the micro piles, Murphy says.

The 8-in thick floor also will have a double layer of steel rebar, similar to a bridge deck, he says.

The building will be able to stand if there is ever another subterranean collapse, he says, adding that “keeping the public safe is a No. 1 priority” for the museum.

Scott, Murphy & Daniel has already done about $2 million in work to stabilize the Skydome,  including drilling 30 micro piles around its exterior.

They also called in experts including Hayward Baker, geotechnical construction firm based in Hanover, Md.; EnSafe, Nashville  environmental engineers; and the Center for Karst and Cave Studies at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, to perform a variety of tests for other sinkholes and voids on the museum property.

The WKU team led a microgravity survey, with 50-ft data points, that showed no other sinkholes around the building, which Massey calls “a relief.”

A pair of caves extends from the sinkhole but both narrow to dead ends.

Of the eight cars damaged, three will be repaired but the others are irreparable. All will be part of the post-sinkhole display, according to the museum.

The museum is discussing adding an exhibit about the sinkhole, but has made no final plans.