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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

  • 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
  • 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
  • Birr Community School: A case study in retrofitting and conserving modern architecture
    Jun 2021

    Birr Community School – a case study in retrofitting and conserving modern architecture

    John McLaughlin (UCC)
    This paper will present a case study in the architectural conservation of a nineteen seventies school building in Ireland that received funding under the Getty Foundation’s Keeping it Modern programme in 2018. The research into the architectural conservation and renovation was developed in a subsequent project involving academics from UCC, UCD and QUB. This research formed the basis of a conservation management plan that identified the social significance of the school and used social ethnographic methods to document this through drawings, photography, film, and interviews.
    View Report on cora.ucc.ie
  • Academic paper titled "Integrated Lean and BIM Processes for Modularised Construction – A Case Study."
    Jul 2019

    Integrated Lean and BIM Processes for Modularised Construction – A Case Study

    Kevin McHugh, Bhargav Dave, and Ray Craig
    This paper provides an insight into an integrated lean and BIM implementation project supporting a highly modular and offsite production process on a data centre project. The case study highlights how lean and BIM can help the team to visualise the production plans, control the production in the field, report accurate production status and support the continuous improvement process.
    View Report on iglcstorage