What is MMC?

Modern methods of construction (MMC) are construction’s new solutions to age-old problems. By embracing technology, innovation and new ways of working, MMC represent brand-new benefits and opportunities for the construction sector. 

MMC are new ways of building that help construction professionals to work more efficiently and effectively compared to traditional methods. There are lots of types of MMC, each with their own benefits and learning curves. 

Types of MMC

The following list of modern methods of construction is just a handful of the methods available to construction professionals. More methods arise as technology and innovative thinking continue to progress, but these are some of the types of MMC that we see active today.

Off-site fabrication

Off-site fabrication is the process by which construction teams assemble or manufacture parts for a project away from the building site. This generally takes place in large warehouses or factory environments. There are many benefits to this process, including needing fewer people on site, which creates a safer environment, and time savings thanks to the ability to work on multiple processes in parallel. Off-site fabrication requires proactive project and logistics management to make sure that all deliveries are properly scheduled. 

Modular construction

The development of off-site fabrication has paved the way for modular building, which is a technique that enables construction teams to build a prefabricated structure in sections called ‘modules’, that can then be fitted together once on site. 

With this method, houses can be built, for example, in two separate pieces then fitted together on site. Modular building is quicker than traditional building methods, with production line fabrication supporting consistency and high quality. 

Precast panels

Precast panels are another factory-based innovation that help to speed up construction and reduce the amount of work done on site. They are concrete panels which are cast in a mould and cured, and can be used for walls and floors, among other components. Many companies are using precast panels to speed up construction timelines. Since they are made in a factory, their production is not impacted by adverse weather conditions. 

Building Information Modelling

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a technology which allows you to create a 3D model of a construction project collaboratively, as well as integrating data such as project schedules, budget information, project management, and more. It essentially acts as a shared platform which allows construction professionals to work together on an up-to-date digital twin of a build in real time. You can learn more in our article about BIM. 

Benefits of Modern Methods of Construction

MMC usher in a whole host of benefits for construction professionals and clients, which makes them attractive for both sides of the construction project equation. Here are some of the key benefits that they unlock:

Enhanced efficiency and speed

Most of the MMC we have discussed in this article involve fabricating elements in a factory or warehouse setting instead of on the building site. This brings with it the benefits of a production line-style of working, which is faster than building on site. There are fewer, if any, distractions or delays caused by unforeseen site conditions, as the environment is controlled and purpose-built. Many MMCs also speed up site construction work, too, as components arrive prefabricated and need less set-up time. 

Improved quality and consistency

The factory environment, in which many MMC processes take place, also benefits quality and consistency. The factory setting reduces the likelihood of accidents or negative effects of bad weather. The precision engineering and advanced technology, such as automation used to construct components, enables a level of standardisation that is not easy to maintain with traditional methods. There is also extensive quality assurance that helps ensure that all components are up to standard before they leave the fabrication environment. 

Environmental benefits

Modern methods of construction are often more sustainable than traditional methods. MMC creates less waste because the precision of cutting and assembly mean that it’s easier to use the exact quantity of materials, with no need for generous allowances, to make sure sizing is correct. Often, there are more opportunities to reuse surplus materials and better recycling facilities in a factory or warehouse environment. 

MMC also typically mean fewer deliveries are made to the site as all materials are kept in one place until the delivery of the larger completed component, rather than needing lots of separate trips to deliver materials when constructing a component on site. 

Safety

A more people-focussed benefit of MMC is that many of the methods we have looked at help to create a safer environment on building sites. They reduce the number of people and volume of materials needed on site the due to the ability to manufacture components remotely. This in turn reduces the risk of accidents and injuries caused by too much foot traffic and storage issues.

Cost-effectiveness

With less reliance on having people on site, these methods also introduce financial advantages because on-site labour is often more expensive than off-site fabrication. MMC also allows project teams to work to shorter project timelines because of the ability to work on multiple phases of construction at the same time. Reduced waste also means reduced expenses, as it’s easier to pay for the exact amount of materials that you need with these methods — traditional methods often rely on generous estimates for allowances in case of mistakes, which is expensive.

Challenges and Barriers to MMC

Technical and Skill-Related Hurdles

The change from traditional methods to using MMC requires learning and upskilling, as any new development that leads to a change in ways of working does. Some people are more adaptable to change than others, so it’s important that there is enough education around the how and why of introducing MMC to your construction projects.

Initial Cost and Investment Requirements

MMC requires a level of investment before a company will see the return, which is common for a lot of transformation initiatives. However, balancing this with the potential to do work quicker and with less requirement for on-site labour should provide a reassuring evaluation of the potential returns that MMC can bring. 

Lack of awareness

MMC are not yet mainstream and may require some intensive discussions to demonstrate the value of trying them. It can be difficult to go against general practice when mainstream methods of construction have been working well for a long time, so it’s important to show value to get people on board.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How can technology help to successfully adopt MMC?

Construction management can help to integrate MMC with current ways of working. It can help with the scheduling aspect of construction projects, as MMC that involve off-site fabrication need very careful logistics and project management to make sure that deliveries happen on time and at the right time.

What successful projects in the UK were built with MMC?

Well known examples of buildings in the UK that were constructed using MMC include:

+ The Shard, London

+ Southmead Hospital, Bristol

+ George Street, the world’s tallest modular building, London

How can the government encourage construction businesses to adopt MMC?

There are a couple of areas that could help modern methods of construction to enter the mainstream. The first is regulation: currently, there aren’t specific regulations or regulatory bodies that deal with MMC. This can mean some companies are reluctant to take the risk of trying them out. Another way that the government can encourage adoption of MMC is to offer tax incentives to companies that use them.

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