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Research

Discover more about research and development in Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) in an interview with a senior researcher at University College Dublin, alongside a representative sample of recent research publications focused on MMC and skills development.

This will grow to be a comprehensive showcase of research activity across Ireland, highlighting the work of higher education institutions and other research-performing organisations that are driving innovation and workforce development in the Irish construction sector.

  • 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).
    Read more
    Research
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Research showcase

  • Cover page of an October 2024 report from the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science titled 'An Update to the Report on the Analysis of Skills for Residential Construction and Retrofitting'
    Oct 2024

    An Update to the Report on the Analysis of Skills for Residential Construction and Retrofitting

    Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation, and Science
    This report contains detailed forecasts of the skills required to deliver an annual average of 50,000 new homes and the retrofitting (B2 equivalent standard) of an annual average of 63,444 existing older homes over the 7-year period 2024-2030.
    View Report on gov.ie
  • Cover with the title “Boosting Ireland’s Housing Supply: Modern Methods of Construction” and a NESC logo in the top left.
    Sep 2024

    Boosting Ireland’s Housing Supply: Modern Methods of Construction

    National Economic & Social Council
    This report by the National Economic and Social Council (NESC) investigates the potential of MMC to significantly boost housing supply. It highlights progress under the MMC roadmap, an important and ambitious State policy designed to achieve greater adoption of MMC in public housing delivery and the housing system more widely.
    View Report on nesc.ie
  • 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 Off-site Manufacturing for Modern Construction Methods: A Lean Theory Perspective Case Study in Ireland

    Ziheng Li & Seong Mok Paik (UCD)
    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
  • Cover titled 'Recent developments on low carbon 3D printing concrete: Revolutionizing construction through innovative technology'
    Jun 2024

    Recent Developments on Low Carbon 3D Printing Concrete: Revolutionising Construction Through Innovative Technology

    Mehran Khan and Ciaran McNally (UCD)
    This comprehensive review delves into the latest advancements in 3DPC technology and its capacity to reshape the building and construction sectors. The paper explores recent progress in 3DPC printing systems, methodologies, materials, and applications.
    View Report on sciencedirect.com
  • Cover with the title “Modern Methods of Construction: barriers and benefits for Irish housing”
    Feb 2024

    Modern Methods of Construction: Barriers and Benefits for Irish Housing (CIOB Report)

    CIOB, TASC
    Greater use of MMC offers many potential benefits to those working within the sector and to society at large. It provides opportunities for a more sustainable built environment, better working conditions, and a more productive construction sector that can deliver high-quality homes more quickly than conventional, onsite construction.
    View Report on ciob.org
  • 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 (UCD), Dr Daniel McCrum (UCD)
    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