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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

  • 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
  • Griffith College logo with a watercolor illustration of a historic stone building.
    Jul 2023

    Rapid MMC Up/Re-skilling of the Construction Workforce: A Collaborative Approach Through the Use of Micro-Credentials

    Suzanne Burdis, Griffith College Dublin
    This report provides background and insights into micro-credentials as an emerging education innovation and a possible solution to the rapid up/ re-skilling needs of industry, and the promotion of life-long learning among the adult population in Ireland.
    View Report on griffith.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
  • Cover with Irish Government logos and the title “Roadmap for increased adoption of Modern Methods of Construction in Public Housing Delivery.”
    Jul 2023

    Roadmap for increased adoption of Modern Methods of Construction in Public Housing delivery

    Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment/ Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage
    The Government’s Housing for All Action Plan Update articulates a critical need to enable a
    continuous and accelerated flow of compliant and high-quality innovations in construction, including modern methods of construction (MMC), particularly in residential construction. This is to ensure delivery of Housing for All targets and the ongoing transformation of the construction sector. It also facilitates efforts to reduce the embodied carbon and lifecycle environmental impacts of construction.
    View Report on gov.ie
  • Report cover titled "Build Up Skills - Ireland 2030: Analysis of the National Status Quo" with BUSI2030 logo and partner organization logos.
    Jun 2023

    Build Up Skills – Ireland 2030: Analysis of the National Status Quo

    IGBC
    Construction Industry Federation, Irish Green Building Council, Laois & Offaly Education Training Board, Technological University of the Shannon

    The Build Up Skills Ireland initiative sets out a clear roadmap of actions focused on supporting the upskilling within the construction sector, and specifically the built environment.
    View Report on igbc.ie