Research

Discover more about research and development projects in the world of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) led by Irish higher education institutions and other research-performing organisations, alongside a showcase of research activity across the country, highlighting what is being done to drive new innovation and workforce development in Irish construction.

04.08.26

Translating R&D on Innovative Building Materials from the Lab to Real Application in Construction

Concrete production is one of the more carbon-intensive construction activities. But researchers from Trinity College Dublin are working to showcase that a lower-carbon concrete, produced with biomass ash, offers building companies a commercially viable and equally appliable alternative. How can research and development lead theory to practice and contribute to a more sustainable construction sector?

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15.05.26

How Can Standardising MMC Product Designs Drive New Efficiencies in Construction Developments?

Despite the expanded use of offsite construction, Ireland still lacks publicly available, non-proprietary detail libraries for manufacturers, designers, certifiers, and regulators. The STANDARDIZE project in University College Dublin is addressing this, aiming to standardise MMC technologies for greater sector efficiency and mobility.

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Researching and Developing the Right Concrete Products and Application Systems for 3D Construction Printing

3D construction printing is still in its earliest phase in Irish building, but research into the best-practice materials and applications of this type of Modern Method of Construction (MMC) can help increase the rate of uptake. Two researchers from the Construct Innovate unit of the University of Galway are making this happen.

Industrial blue mechanical clamp or gripper tool shown in multiple close-up views on a workbench.

Platform4MMC: Supporting Decision-Making to Drive the Adoption of Modern Methods of Construction in Ireland

Ireland’s housing targets need to be met rapidly while achieving high sustainability standards. Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) offer the opportunity to digitise the construction sector, improving project delivery speed, efficiency, and quality.

Taking MMC Research to the Construction Site and Beyond

The MMC Research Group at University College Dublin (UCD), spearheaded by Dr Daniel McCrum, is leading the innovations behind Modern Methods of Construction (MMC).

Research showcase

Cover image of an article from the International Journal of Construction Management titled 'Resource cost optimization strategies in off-site manufacturing for modern construction methods: a lean theory perspective case study in Ireland'

Aug 2024

Resource Cost Optimisation Strategies in Offsite Manufacturing for Modern Construction Methods: A Lean Theory Perspective Case Study in Ireland

Ziheng Li, Seong Mok Paik (University College Dublin)

This research presents an innovative approach based on Lean Theory that explores the application of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) in Ireland, specifically aimed at optimizing resource costs for pre-cast concrete components.

View Report on tandfonline.com

Build Digital Annual Survey 2023 report cover with construction crane graphic and pink accent blocks.

Aug 2024

Build Digital Annual Survey 2023 Results

Build Digital

The Annual Survey investigated the level of digital transformation in the Irish Construction and Built Environment sector. This survey will provide Build Digital with an insight into the extent of Digital Adoption within the sector and capture opinions on how we best work towards driving future digital adoption and developing enabling tools to achieve this.

View Report on tudublin.ie

Cover page of an MDPI publication titled “Computational Modelling of Intra-Module Connections and Their Influence on the Robustness of a Steel Corner-Supported Volumetric Module,”

Mar 2024

Computational Modelling of Intra-Module Connections and Their Influence on the Robustness of a Steel Corner-Supported Volumetric Module

Si Hwa Heng, David Hyland, Michael Hough, and Daniel McCrum (UCD)

This paper investigates the robustness of a single 3D volumetric corner-supported module made of square hollow-section (SHS) columns. The results demonstrate the importance of an accurate assessment of framing rotational stiffness and the benefits of a computationally efficient model.

View Report on mdpi.com

Mar 2024

Digitalisation for a Circular Economy (DiCE)

Build Digital

The main objective of the report will focus on the opportunities to incorporate circular economy principles into construction and elaborate on a series of resources which are available for interested stakeholders. The report particularly focuses on the opportunities aligned with the increasing digitalisation of the industry and how such tools can be used to not only increase productivity but also increase circularity within the industry.

View Report on squarespace.com

Cover image for a report titled "Construct Innovate – Built Environment Research in Ireland," featuring a modern building in the background.

Feb 2024

Behavioural Attitudes to Modern Methods of Construction

Dr Shuo Wang, Dr Daniel McCrum (University College Dublin)

The primary objective of this report is to investigate the psychology of change inherent in the broader acceptance and adoption of modern methods of construction (MMC) within the realm of housing delivery. Understanding the underlying factors that influence this transformation is important in shaping the future of the housing industry.

View Report on constructinnovate.ie

Feb 2024

Design for Manufacture and Assembly with Design for Reuse

Brian Broderick (Trinity College Dublin) and John Hickey (Trinity College
Dublin)

This report examines the application of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) in Ireland, how this can be enabled through Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) and its relationship with Design for Reuse (DfR).