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 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 image of the Journal of Constructional Steel Research published by Elsevier.

May 2024

Experimental Axial-Compressive Behaviour of Bare Cold-Formed-Steel Studs with Semirigid-Track and Ideal-Hinged Boundary Conditions

Sohini Mishra, Ciaran McNally, Andrzej M. Wrzesien, Daniel McCrum (UCD)

This research experimentally investigates bare-CFS-studs' axial compressive behaviour with BCT, considering, for the first time, the combined effect of the tracks' warping rigidity, stud-to-track gap, non-linear connection stiffness, and bare studs' various cross-sectional slenderness.

View Report on sciencedirectassets.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, 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

Graphic: Report cover titled "Evaluation of the Engineering Skills and Training Needs of Manufacturing and Construction Sectors in the South East," January 2024.

Jan 2024

Evaluation of the Engineering Skills and Training Needs of Manufacturing and Construction Sectors in The South East

South East Regional Skills Forum, on behalf of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

This survey covered South East regional enterprises to determine priority training / skills needs in the broad ‘engineering’ discipline area for both existing and new startup companies. The survey provides considerable evidence of a shortage of engineering skills in the South East in recent times.

View Report on gov.ie

Aug 2023

Careers in Construction: Action Plan

Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

The Working Group for the Promotion of Careers in the Construction Sector was established in response to Action 13.4 of the revised Housing for All plan: “Develop an action plan to promote careers in construction”. Based on this research and professional experience and knowledge, proposed actions involve changes in structure, training and upskilling, and promotional activity in the construction sector.