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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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    Five people seated in a semicircle having a panel discussion in an elegant, warmly lit room.
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

  • Logos for Regional Skills West and Manufacturing Excellence beside "Industry 4.0 Readiness in West of Ireland Small and Medium & Micro Enterprises."
    Mar 2022

    Industry 4.0 Readiness in West of Ireland Small and Medium & Micro Enterprises

    Dr. Olivia McDermott, Stuart Nelson (University of Galway on behalf of Regional Skills West)
    This report was commissioned to provide actionable insights into the skills needs, barriers and opportunities faced by Micro & SME manufacturing companies in relation to Industry 4.0. As part of this work, an industry-led Manufacturing Excellence skills network was set up with leading employers with the goal of collaborating in identifying and resolving skills gaps and issues and converting knowledge into best practices, for the manufacturing sector in the West Region.
    View Report on gov.ie
  • Cover with the title “Modern Methods of Construction” and a crane overlooking a construction site with hills in the background.
    Jan 2022

    Modern Methods of Construction in Ireland

    Construction Industry Federation
    A Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) Working
    Group was established by CIF in 2016 consisting of
    member companies from the Housing, Specialist M&E,
    Civil Engineering, Modular Manufacturers and General
    Contracting companies.
    View Report on cif.ie
  • EY report cover titled “A Detailed Description of Needs for the Irish Construction/Built Environment Sector” with two people using digital devices at a desk.
    Nov 2021

    Needs for the Irish Construction/Built Environment Sector

    Ernst & Young, Enterprise Ireland
    A detailed report on the needs for the Irish construction/built environment sector covering technology and innovation, digital adoption and Modern Methods of Construction in the context of productivity improvement and sustainability.
    View Report on ey.com
  • Cover image for the report titled "The Farmer Review of the UK Construction Labour Model," featuring red and yellow graphic elements.
    Oct 2016

    The Farmer Review – “Modernise or Die”

    Mark Farmer, Founding Director and CEO, Cast Consultancy.
    At the end of last year the government
    asked the Construction Leadership
    Council to identify actions to reduce
    the industry’s structural vulnerability to
    skills shortages, taking account of the
    Council’s wider work including that on
    business models and offsite housing.
    View Report