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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.

  • 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.
    Read more
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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.
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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 page of the RIAI report titled “RIAI Design for Manufacture and Assembly / DfMA Report,”
    Oct 2022

    Design for Manufacture and Assembly / DfMA Report

    The Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland
    This report presents how using good design to facilitate MMC can be achieved without losing design quality. The report aims to increase the understanding amongst architects, related professions, manufacturers, and contractors and their clients about what MMC means and designing for it, and how these issues can be embedded into construction and building design processes.
    View Report on riai.ie
  • Illustration with the text “Building a Zero Carbon Ireland” and the Irish Green Building Council (IGBC) logo, showing colourful buildings, wind turbines, trams, and a person cycling, symbolising sustainable urban development and decarbonisation.
    Oct 2022

    Building a Zero Carbon Ireland

    Irish Green Building Council
    The ‘Building a Zero Carbon Ireland: A Roadmap to decarbonise Ireland’s Built Environment across its Whole Life Cycle’ report presents a set of recommendations to halve our sector emissions by 2030, and to decarbonise Ireland’s built environment by 2050.
    View Report on igbc.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
  • A blue cover image with the RIAI logo at the top. The text reads: “RIAI BIM Pack 2 – BIM Guide for SMEs
    Sep 2022

    BIM Guide for SMEs

    The Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland
    This document is intended to support the implementation of BIM technology for sole practitioners and SMEs. The aim is for businesses to realise a unified, usable, co-ordinated approach to Building Information Modelling in a design environment.
    View Report on riai.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