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Modern methods of construction
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Modern methods of construction

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MMC are characterised by the use of innovative construction materials and practices, and typically minimising labour-intensive works carried out on site. The use of MMC aims to increase efficiency, reduce waste, enhance sustainability, ensure consistent quality or otherwise improve the construction process.

MMC is often commonly regarded as off-site prefabrication of components/ modules which are then assembled on site. However, MMC can refer to a number of construction practices which can be combined with each other or with more traditional forms of construction. In addition to offsite prefabrication, other MMC terms include:

  • 3D printing: Additive manufacturing, commonly known as 3D printing, is being explored for creating construction components, including structural elements, walls, and even entire buildings
  • 3D volumetric construction: 3D volumetric construction involves assembling prefabricated volumetric units or modules. These modules are typically manufactured in a controlled environment, such as a factory, and then transported to the construction site for assembly
  • DfMA (design for manufacture and assembly): DfMA is a set of principles and strategies aimed at optimizing the design of a product to make it easier and more cost-effective to manufacture and assemble
  • Panelised units: Panelised units, also known as panelised construction or panelised building systems, involves building components, such as walls, floors, and roofs, being prefabricated as panels in a controlled environment (usually a factory) and then transported to the construction site for assembly
  • Traditional building large format, pre-cut products: This refers to a construction approach where construction materials are custom-cut to specific dimensions and sizes off-site and then transported to the construction site for assembly
  • Platform systems: These systems encompass the methods and technologies used to design, manufacture, and assemble prefabricated building modules
  • Smart monitoring technology: The integration of smart technologies, including internet of things (IoT) devices and sensors, allows for real-time monitoring and data collection to optimize building performance and maintenance
  • Lightweight/ lean construction: The use of lean/ lightweight materials, such as composites or engineered wood products, can reduce the overall weight of structures while maintaining strength and durability

MMC are being increasingly utilised in construction across all forms of structure, from high-rise and traditional housing to factories, warehouses and other structures. There is a perception that MMC results in generic, characterless structures, but when used appropriately MMC can deliver projects that are as interesting and responsive as any traditional build.

 
 

Featured resources and events

Guidance
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Modern methods of construction: Risks

This article focuses on a number of risks to be considered in the adoption of MMC for a project.

Date – 18 September 2024
Author – James Penny
Price – Free
Blog
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Modern methods of construction (MMC) - A long and ongoing journey!

In this article, Stuart Matthews (FIStructE) gives his views on the history and development of MMC, types of construction, their advantages and disadvantages and what the future may hold.

Date – 1 March 2024
Author – Stuart Matthews
Price – Free
Case Study
Wooden modular units are at different stages of construction inside an empty warehouse.

Modern methods of design and construction: adapting to a changing working landscape

As the climate emergency and societal, technological, regulatory, and legislative developments are driving unprecedented change in the construction industry, watch selected presentations from the 2022 Designing for the future, now e-conference, highlighting regulatory and business drivers for change, as well as some modern methods of design practices.

Date – 9 August 2023
Author – Various
Price – Free
The Structural Engineer
<h4>Refocusing modern methods of construction on the climate emergency: a five capitals model for action</h4>

Refocusing modern methods of construction on the climate emergency: a five capitals model for action

Adrian Campbell, Robert Hairstans and Giulia Jones explain how natural, human, social, manufactured and economic capital can all benefit from a sustainability-focused approach to off-site manufacturing.

Date – 2 September 2020
Author – Adrian Campbell, Robert Hairstans and Giulia Jones
Price – £0
The Structural Engineer
3D image indicating complexity of structure of the roof for One Sherwood Street

One Sherwood Street: realising the benefits of a modular approach

This article describes the off-site, modular approach adopted for the roof at One Sherwood Street, London, which allowed it to be prefabricated in a controlled factory environment.

Date – 3 April 2023
Author – Matt Goold
Price – £9.95
Training
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Developments in modular structures

This webinar explores the advantages and limitations of modular design and construction.

Date – 5 October 2021
Author – Various
Price – From £26.00 + VAT
The Structural Engineer
Factory line of modular housing by ilke Homes

Minimising upfront carbon emissions of steel-framed modular housing: a case study

Smail Kechidi presents a case study of how a modular housing system has been refined to minimise upfront carbon emissions.

Date – 3 April 2023
Author – Smail Kechidi
Price – £9.95
The Structural Engineer
Full scale shear wall test

Optimising structural design of modular housing by combining timber and lightweight steel framing

Smail Kechidi describes his research into cold-formed steel-framed shear walls sheathed in timber, which won the Institution’s Research into Practice essay competition in 2021.

Date – 3 May 2022
Author – Smail Kechidi
Price – £9.95
Case Study
101 George street and College road areal view. The buildings can be seen as construction work is taking place, next to other buildings.

Structural engineering considerations for high-rise modular buildings

This technical lecture explored best practices around the design and construction of high-rise modular structures of up to 50 storeys.

Date – 22 September 2023
Author – Michael Hough, Shane Linehan
Price – Free

Resources and events

Conference
Group of people sat around board room table

SME business practice conference 2024

A hands-on conference, tailored to SME owners, equipping SME practitioners with a comprehensive toolkit to capitalise on emerging industry priorities and maximise business potential.

Date – 10 October 2024
Location – Institution of Structural Engineers international HQ
Price – £55 - £325 + VAT
Guidance
Blue abstract blocks

Modern methods of construction: Risks

This article focuses on a number of risks to be considered in the adoption of MMC for a project.

Date – 18 September 2024
Author – James Penny
Price – Free
Blue abstract blocks

Development of earthquake resistant guidelines for inter-module connections of modular buildings

A poster from a project funded by the Institution’s 2022/23 MSc Research Grants.

Date – 3 June 2024
Author – Yat Long Shelton Lam
Price – Free
Training
Full view of Network Rail FLOW Bridge

Designing, fabricating and constructing the FLOW bridge

A technical lecture uncovering the evolution of Network Rail’s FRP footbridge from concept to construction.

Date – 28 May 2024
Author – Ahmad Kamara
Price – Free
Blog
Blue abstract blocks

Modern methods of construction (MMC) - A long and ongoing journey!

In this article, Stuart Matthews (FIStructE) gives his views on the history and development of MMC, types of construction, their advantages and disadvantages and what the future may hold.

Date – 1 March 2024
Author – Stuart Matthews
Price – Free
The Structural Engineer
Modular construction method using a crane

Viewpoint: Realising carbon-reduction benefits from DfMA/MMC

Drawing on their project experience, Alice Berry, Sahil Limbu and Heleni Pantelidou share tips on how to ensure that modern methods of construction deliver carbon savings.

Date – 1 February 2024
Author – Alice Berry, Sahil Limbu and Heleni Pantelidou
Price – £9.95
The Structural Engineer
A graphic showing the three MMC techniques explored in study

Modern methods of construction: a study of upfront embodied carbon

James Morton and Gavin White discuss findings from a comparative analysis of MMC and 'typical' construction practices, specifically focusing on the impact on the upfront embodied carbon for the structural systems of MMC.

Date – 1 February 2024
Author – James Morton and Gavin White
Price – £9.95
The Structural Engineer
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An introduction to modern methods of construction

Nigel Ostime introduces some of the key considerations and questions across the design and procurement process when using MMC.

Date – 1 February 2024
Author – Nigel Ostime
Price – £9.95
The Structural Engineer
Image of a worker connecting modular sections

CROSS Safety Report: MMC and robustness

This month we present a report relating to the design of a low-rise modular building and the requirement, or otherwise, for positive fixings between the superstructure and the substructure.

Date – 1 February 2024
Author – Collaborative Reporting for Safer Structures
Price – £0