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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.

  • 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.
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    Research
    Industrial robotic gripper mechanism with blue components and wiring, shown from multiple angles.

  • 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 showcase

  • Careers in Construction Action Plan document cover with Irish government logo and working group title.
    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.
    View Report on gov.ie
  • Academic document cover titled "Digital Challenges and Opportunities of Addressing Onsite Productivity and Safety on Construction Job Sites"
    Jul 2023

    Digital Challenges and Opportunities of Addressing Onsite Productivity and Safety on Construction Job Sites: An International Perspective

    Ahmed Hassan, Ankur Mitra, and Mark Mulville (Technological University Dublin)
    This paper will present the early development of a nationally funded Irish case study deploying a combined camera and sensors solution that enables measurable productivity and safety measures through passive data capture. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with highly experienced international construction practitioners to present the functions of the novel technology and explore the contemporary issues influencing on-site productivity and safety.
    View Report on tudublin.ie
  • Cover with the title “Modern Methods of Construction: Introductory Guide” and the Government of Ireland logo.
    Jul 2023

    Modern Methods of Construction Introductory Guide

    Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Framespace Solutions Ltd, Castleforms Ltd, Cygnum Building Offsite.
    This guide to Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) describes a range of
    innovative construction processes to deliver quality and compliant housing.
    View Report on gov.ie
  • Title slide of a research paper presentation from Munster Technological University titled 'Barriers to the Implementation of Modern Methods of Construction in Ireland
    Sep 2022

    Barriers to the Implementation of Modular Construction in Ireland: A Case Study from an Irish Small and Medium-sized Enterprise Perspective

    Shane Carmody, John P Spillane, and Noel Clarke (University of Limerick)
    The aim of this study is to identify the factors that are inhibiting modular construction adoption in Ireland. A qualitative research method is applied, using six semi-structured interviews with the target case study.
    View Report on researchrepository.ul.ie
  • Two workers in hard hats and safety vests in front of a construction site banner.
    Jul 2022

    Construction in Ireland 2022: Building a Workforce for the Future

    AutoDesk Construction Cloud
    This survey of professionals at Irish construction companies helps to understand the challenges and opportunities of the industry. Understanding the mood of construction companies — including the opportunities ahead and barriers to growth — gives a valuable insight into Ireland’s prospects for the future.
    View Report on autodesk.com
  • Dark blue graphic with turquoise line drawings of abstract buildings. White text reads: 'Modern Methods of Construction: Defining MMC Business
    Apr 2022

    Defining MMC Business: Construction Professionals Skillnet

    Construction Professionals Skillnet, CIF, Quality Positive
    This report proposes to identify the new construction sector business model necessary for the effective implementation of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) and the related new roles and skills required to perform effectively.
    View Report on skillnetireland.ie