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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.
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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

  • Report cover: "Review of the system for standards, testing, certification and accreditation for the delivery of housing."
    Feb 2024

    Review of the System for Standards, Testing, Certification and Accreditation for the Delivery of Housing

    Dr Shuo Wang & Dr Daniel McCrum (University College Dublin)
    This report examines the existing Irish housing delivery system, with a comprehensive review of standards, testing, certification and accreditation. The report presents a concise literature review to draw insights from similar standards, testing, certification and accreditation systems in the United Kingdom (UK) and Europe. Additionally, interviews of construction professionals are undertaken to understand perspectives of industry on the current Irish system of standards, testing and certification.
    View Report on constructinnovate.ie
  • Cover image for the report titled "Design for Manufacture and Assembly with Design for Reuse," dated February 2024.
    Feb 2024

    Design for Manufacture and Assembly with Design for Reuse

    Brian Broderick (Trinity College Dublin) and John Hickey (Trinity College
    Dublin)
    This report examines the application of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) in Ireland, how this can be enabled through Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) and its relationship with Design for Reuse (DfR).
    View Report on constructinnovate.ie
  • Cover image for a report titled "Construct Innovate – Built Environment Research in Ireland," featuring a modern building in the background.
    Feb 2024

    Behavioural Attitudes to Modern Methods of Construction

    Dr Shuo Wang, Dr Daniel McCrum (University College Dublin)
    The primary objective of this report is to investigate the psychology of change inherent in the broader acceptance and adoption of modern methods of construction (MMC) within the realm of housing delivery. Understanding the underlying factors that influence this transformation is important in shaping the future of the housing industry.
    View Report on constructinnovate.ie
  • 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