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).
As Associate Professor in Structural Engineering at UCD and founder of the university's MMC Research Group, Dr. McCrum’s focus is on the ‘big picture’ of MMC, identifying the skilled research needed to inform projects happening on the ground.
Graduating from Civil Engineering at Trinity College Dublin (TCD), Dr. McCrum furthered his academic career at the University of Glasgow and TCD, before lecturing at Queen's University Belfast. In 2017, he joined UCD and, four years later, founded the MMC Research Group.
It's purpose is to lead research aimed at improving the design of various kinds of MMC. Dr. McCrum is also a member of the Centre Executive Management Committee in Construct Innovate, Ireland's National Research Centre for Construction Technology and Innovation, for which he leads the MMC Working Group.
Dr. McCrum is involved in several research strands; one of his primary focuses is off-site construction. One of the issues here is that, given many categories of MMC are a relatively new form of building, relevant design codes are mostly non-existent. This impacts engineers who need guidance when designing multi-storey buildings safely using off-site methods. Design standardisation that is both effective and compliant with regulations would make a significant difference to timely project delivery.
Currently if someone wants to build a traditional masonry house, they can just consult the technical guidance documents to building regulations – but there is no equivalent for the varied MMC categories. Yet if we want to get on board with MMC—and gain the promised benefits of greater sustainability, project speed, and reduced labour costs—we must make this design process for MMC as easy as possible.
Having that guidance in place should also ensure all properties meet building requirements.
Indeed, standardisation is one of the overarching aims within MMC research at present. To this end, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage allocated €3.5 million to a research project, led by UCD, standardising MMC construction. This project will culminate in findings being made open source, helping the more widespread adoption of MMC in Irish construction.
There is a real appetite for the use of—and further research into—MMC in the sector. With that in mind, construction research generally could do with a greater injection of funding to help build the ‘critical mass’ needed for wider MMC adoption.
Associate Professor in Structural Engineering, University College Dublin
On the whole, Dr. McCrum is broadly optimistic about our progress on MMC to date.
“I would say we are probably doing more than we realise. The momentum is there.”
What will undoubtedly focus minds is the dual needs of meeting the estimated 93,000 homes a year needed between now and 2031 and the UN Sustainability Development Goals of 2030. This will inevitably lead to more pressure to shift to MMC. And research and development will play a critical role in leading technological and workplace innovations in the building sector.
