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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

  • Graphic: Report cover titled "Evaluation of the Engineering Skills and Training Needs of Manufacturing and Construction Sectors in the South East," January 2024.
    Jan 2024

    Evaluation of the Engineering Skills and Training Needs of Manufacturing and Construction Sectors in The South East

    South East Regional Skills Forum, on behalf of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
    This survey covered South East regional enterprises to determine priority training / skills needs in the broad ‘engineering’ discipline area for both existing and new startup companies. The survey provides considerable evidence of a shortage of engineering skills in the South East in recent times.
    View Report on gov.ie
  • NSAI logo and cover page for a study on International Construction Quality Assurance & Certification Schemes for MMC.
    Jan 2024

    A Study of International Construction Quality Assurance & Certification Schemes for Modern Methods of Construction (MMC)

    National Standards Authority of Ireland
    This study addresses milestone No. 12 of the Housing for All Roadmap for increased adoption of Modern Methods of Construction in public housing delivery document. International construction quality certification schemes have been reviewed and summarised to assist benchmarking of the current NSAI Agrément process in Ireland.
    View Report on nsai.ie
  • Elsevier cover titled “A Holistic Review on the Contribution of Civil Engineers for Driving Sustainable Concrete Construction in the Built Environment.”
    Dec 2023

    A Holistic Review On The Contribution Of Civil Engineers For Driving Sustainable Concrete Construction In The Built Environment

    Mehran Khan, Ciaran McNally (UCD)
    This study discusses civil engineer's pivotal role in promoting sustainable concrete construction, highlighting the need for their expertise in creating environmentally friendly and resilient infrastructure. The study further discusses the importance of procurement rules in endorsing sustainable development, emphasising the need for well-crafted policies and guidelines that incentivise eco-friendly practices.
    View Report on ciencedirectassets.com
  • Construction workers on a building site, with Irish government committee report cover on housing and modern construction methods.
    Oct 2023

    Joint Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage – Modern Methods of Construction

    Joint Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage
    This document covers discussions from Joint Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage on the topic of Modern Methods of Construction. The Committee held three sessions, with two sessions focusing on modern construction methods, and one session involving discussion on the Review of Fire Safety Building Regulations.
    View Report on oireachtas.ie
  • Cover with a purple gradient background, KPMG logo, and the title “Measuring the Benefit of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC).”
    Sep 2023

    Measuring the benefit of MMC

    KPMG
    The saviour to our problems: Modern Methods of Construction. Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), despite its name, isn’t all that new. . Simply put, it’s the application of manufacturing processes and procedures aimed at achieving a better balance of standardisation and
    customisation.
    View Report on Kpmg.com
  • Conference paper title page: "An investigation into Ireland's BIM Skills Gap," TU Dublin, 2023.
    Sep 2023

    An Investigation into Ireland’s BIM Skills Gap

    Guadalupe Centanni & Barry McAuley, Technological University Dublin
    This paper focuses on addressing this gap by identifying steps to be followed to develop skilled professionals within BIM. This has been achieved by investigating the extent to which construction stakeholders in Ireland comprehend BIM and, examining the training and educational initiatives implemented locally and internationally to facilitate the digital transition. The research also provides insights into the ramifications of the absence of a mandate for BIM implementation in the country concerning skills maturity.
    View Report on tudublin.ie