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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

  • Cover image of an article from the International Journal of Construction Management titled 'Resource cost optimization strategies in off-site manufacturing for modern construction methods: a lean theory perspective case study in Ireland'
    Aug 2024

    Resource Cost Optimisation Strategies in Offsite Manufacturing for Modern Construction Methods: A Lean Theory Perspective Case Study in Ireland

    Ziheng Li, Seong Mok Paik (University College Dublin)
    This research presents an innovative approach based on Lean Theory that explores the application of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) in Ireland, specifically aimed at optimizing resource costs for pre-cast concrete components.
    View Report on tandfonline.com
  • A digital graphic with the logos of the World Green Building Council and the Irish Green Building Council (IGBC).
    Aug 2024

    Minimum Energy Performance Standards and Renovation Trajectories in the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive

    Irish Green Building Council
    The publication sets out a sequence for how national governments could introduce policy measures and guidance to facilitate the successful implementation of Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) and renovation trajectories for European buildings, as outlined in the EPBD.
    View Report on igbc.ie
  • Build Digital Annual Survey 2023 report cover with construction crane graphic and pink accent blocks.
    Aug 2024

    Build Digital Annual Survey 2023 Results

    Build Digital
    The Annual Survey investigated the level of digital transformation in the Irish Construction and Built Environment sector. This survey will provide Build Digital with an insight into the extent of Digital Adoption within the sector and capture opinions on how we best work towards driving future digital adoption and developing enabling tools to achieve this.
    View Report on tudublin.ie
  • Cover with the title “Supporting the Circular Economy Transition in the Irish Construction Sector” on a black and teal background with curved lines.
    Jul 2024

    Supporting the Circular Economy Transition in the Irish Construction Sector

    CSG Innovation and Digital Delivery Subgroup – Sustainability and Climate Action Consultative Committee
    The purpose of this document is to set out a sectoral perspective on why the Irish construction sector needs to understand and embed circular economy principles.
    View Report on acei.ie
  • Abstract graphic cover featuring geometric shapes in orange, grey, yellow, and white, with the EY logo in the top right corner.
    Jul 2024

    Skills for Modern Methods of Construction

    Ernst & Young Business Advisory Services
    Housing is an essential infrastructure in any society. Ireland’s housing market has experienced significant volatility over the past two decades, with current housing demand outstripping supply. Housing for All is the Government’s housing plan to 2030. It is a multi-annual, multi-billion
    euro plan which aims to improve Ireland’s housing system and deliver more homes of all types for people with different housing needs.
    View Report on Egfsn.ie
  • 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