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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

  • 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
  • Build Digital report cover: "Supporting the Delivery of Information Management and BIM in Ireland"
    Jun 2023

    Supporting the Delivery of Information Management and BIM in Ireland

    Build Digital
    The objective of the Digital Procurement pillar is to bring national and international expertise on best practice in sustainable digital procurement and digital product supply chain practices to the forefront of the Irish sector. This pillar will support greater efficiency, sustainability, and productivity in delivering successful construction project outcomes by enabling an integrated green, lean, and digital thread of information across the project life cycle.
    View Report on tudublin.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