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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.

  • 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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    Research
    Industrial robotic gripper mechanism with blue components and wiring, shown from multiple angles.

  • 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. A research team at University College Dublin (UCD) has developed a platform to connect construction companies to the data behind the value added of MMC systems.
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    Research
    Logo of Platform MMC with stacked geometric shapes in blue and gray 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: National Framework for Meeting Priority Construction Workforce Needs document cover with a woman reviewing plans.
    Mar 2026

    National Framework for Meeting Priority Construction Workforce Needs

    Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
    This report presents research and analysis to support the development of a national framework for meeting priority construction workforce needs. The background to this report is that a suite of landmark Government strategies has highlighted the demands to be met from Ireland’s construction workforce to meet Government priorities in housing, climate action, and other infrastructure. The realisation of this ambition is critically dependent on progress in creating and mobilising a construction workforce of a scale and skills level equipped to meet the targets set out in these strategies.
    View Report on gov.ie
  • Logo for Construct Innovate with "3DREDO" project title for 3D-printed concrete reinforcement.
    Feb 2026

    3DREDO: Development and 3D Printing of Three-Dimensional Reinforcement from Waste Composites for Concrete Structures

    Dr Pouyan Ghabezi, Dr Alireza Rahimi (University of Galway)
    3DREDO is an initiative that aims to harness this opportunity and develop three-dimensional reinforcement systems using the 3D printing technique from recycled polymer and composite waste. The broad objective is to improve the ductility, fracture mechanics, and strength properties of the cementitious matrix while following the circular economy and the Ireland National Research Centre for Construction Technology and Innovation themes.
    View Report on sites-eu1.com
  • Cover slide with the title “Designing Polypropylene Fiber Reinforcement For 3D Concrete Printing: Rheology Control, Thixotropic Recovery and Mechanical Performance"”
    Feb 2026

    Designing Polypropylene Fiber Reinforcement For 3D Concrete Printing: Rheology Control, Thixotropic Recovery and Mechanical Performance

    Wen Si, Mehran Khan, Ciaran McNally (University College Dublin)
    This study examines the influence of polypropylene (PP) fibre length and dosage on the rheological and mechanical performance of cementitious mortars and their validation in 3D printed concrete (3DPC).
    View Report on sciencedirectassets.com
  • Logo and cover page for Home Performance Pathway Technical Manual v1.0.
    Feb 2026

    Home Performance Pathway Technical Manual

    Brian Crowley, Johanna Varghese, Pat Barry, John Fingleton (Irish Green Building Council) & Construct Innovate
    This is the technical manual for the Home Performance Pathway certification process, designed to provide a progressive pathway towards building skills for Home Performance Index certification. The purpose of this manual is to support the assessment of new homes in line with the certification processes and procedures as set out by the Irish Green Building Council (IGBC); and in doing so allow the IGBC to make informed and measured certification decisions and approvals.
    View Report on sites-eu1.com
  • Cover page of "Updated Careers in Construction Action Plan" document from January 2020
    Jan 2026

    Updated Careers in Construction Action Plan

    Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
    In light of the experience over the two years since the publication of the original Careers in Construction Action Plan, the Careers in Construction Working Group have now reviewed and updated the plan to reflect progress made and the evolving context.
    View Report on gov.ie
  • Construct Dataverse AQUA3D product logo for 3D concrete printing technology
    Dec 2025

    AQUA3D – Automated Quality Control for 3D Concrete Printing

    Dr Pouyan Ghabezi, Dr Alireza Rahimi (University of Galway)
    The AQUA3D project is structured around four core objectives that address the limitations of manual data collection in 3D concrete printing and establish a foundation for automated, real-time quality control.
    View Report on constructinnovate.ie