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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.

  • 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. A research team at University College Dublin (UCD) has developed a platform to connect construction companies to the data behind the value added of MMC systems.
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    Research
    Logo of Platform MMC with stacked geometric shapes in blue and gray tones.

  • 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).
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    Research
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Research showcase

  • Cover slide with the title “Designing Polypropylene Fiber Reinforcement For 3D Concrete Printing: Rheology Control, Thixotropic Recovery and Mechanical Performance"”
    Feb 2026

    Designing Polypropylene Fiber Reinforcement For 3D Concrete Printing: Rheology Control, Thixotropic Recovery and Mechanical Performance

    Wen Si, Mehran Khan, Ciaran McNally (University College Dublin)
    This study examines the influence of polypropylene (PP) fibre length and dosage on the rheological and mechanical performance of cementitious mortars and their validation in 3D printed concrete (3DPC).
    View Report on sciencedirectassets.com
  • Government of Ireland cover page for "Delivering Homes, Building Communities 2022-2030" housing action plan
    Nov 2025

    Delivering Homes, Building Communities 2025-2030

    Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage
    This strategic plan takes a whole-of-Government view to unlocking the current barriers affecting the provision of essential housing across the country. It adopts a targeted, joined up, cross-departmental approach aimed at activating supply by providing the infrastructure required to create sustainable housing of the right type for the people of Ireland, when and where it is needed.
    View Report on gov.ie
  • Cover page of a research article "Is MMC the Silver Bullet to Solving Ireland’s Housing and Infrastructural Deficit? "
    Sep 2025

    Is MMC the Silver Bullet to Solving Ireland’s Housing and Infrastructural Deficit?

    Oluwasegun O. Seriki, Ruairi Hayden (Technological University of Dublin)
    This study delves into how and why MMC techniques are gaining popularity despite the underlying concepts of off-site manufacturing, prefabrication and modular construction being more than 100 years old. This study agrees that the future of MMC looks promising and has potential for increased adoption within construction in Ireland.
    View Report on tudublin.ie
  • Logo promoting timber research and innovation in Ireland with green forest background.
    Aug 2025

    Pioneering Research and Innovation for Timber and Wood‑Based Products in Ireland

    Dr Patrick McGetrick (National University of Galway), Department of Food, Agriculture and the Marine
    This publication presents an overview of research and innovation on timber and wood-based products in Ireland over recent years, showcasing the significant progress achieved through collaborative national and international efforts. It aims to facilitate an understanding of the existing knowledge base on Irish wood products to advance research and support of timber as a construction material.
    View Report on gov.ie
  • Cover page of a research article titled “Understanding the embodied carbon credentials of modern methods of construction.”
    Feb 2025

    Understanding the Embodied Carbon Credentials of Modern Methods of Construction

    Richard O’Hegarty, Samar Raffoul, Oliver Kinnane, Thanat Thanapornpakornsin (UCD), Aislinn McCarthy (Aarhus School of Architecture), Jack O'Hagan (Delft University of Technology)
    This study assesses the embodied carbon credentials of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) by conducting a critical literature review and synthesis of the findings. While several studies have reviewed the broader impacts of MMC, no other study to date has comprehensively reviewed the embodied carbon credentials of this construction typology.
    View Report on journal-buildingscities.org
  • Research and Development Needs for Timber in Construction in Ireland - TERG report cover
    Jan 2025

    Research and Development Needs for Timber in Construction in Ireland

    Dr Patrick McGetrick (National University of Galway), Dr. David Gil-Moreno (Department of Food, Agriculture and the Marine)
    This report outlines the research and development needs that must be addressed in Ireland to support promotion of greater use of timber in construction. It highlights the opportunities for further targeted research to advance the use of timber, particular mass engineered timber, whilst ensuring the highest possible degree of building safety and boosting the use of homegrown timber in construction.
    View Report on gov.ie