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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.

  • 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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    Group of construction workers in hi-vis vests and hard hats inspecting an outdoor facility.

  • 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. 

Logo for Platform MMC featuring stacked layers graphic in gray and dark 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 showcase

  • Logo for Construct Innovate with "3DREDO" project title for 3D-printed concrete reinforcement.
    Feb 2026

    3DREDO: Development and 3D Printing of Three-Dimensional Reinforcement from Waste Composites for Concrete Structures

    Dr Pouyan Ghabezi, Dr Alireza Rahimi (University of Galway)
    3DREDO is an initiative that aims to harness this opportunity and develop three-dimensional reinforcement systems using the 3D printing technique from recycled polymer and composite waste. The broad objective is to improve the ductility, fracture mechanics, and strength properties of the cementitious matrix while following the circular economy and the Ireland National Research Centre for Construction Technology and Innovation themes.
    View Report on sites-eu1.com
  • 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
  • Cover image for a report titled “Construction Industry in Ireland"
    Feb 2026

    Construction Industry in Ireland – The Skills and Capacity Required to Build Ireland’s Future

    Property Industry Ireland – Ibec
    This report outlines the current skills landscape, identifies the key challenges hindering the sector’s capacity, and provides a series of tangible recommendations for government and industry. By working collaboratively, the industry can build not only the physical infrastructure Ireland needs but also a sustainable, skilled, and dynamic workforce for the future.
    View Report on ibec.ie
  • 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