Modern methods of construction (MMC)

Modern methods of construction

Whats the difference between traditional and modern methods of construction (MMC)?
Traditional (conventional) methods are where most of the work is done on the building site, such as on masonry and timber-framed structures.

Modern methods of construction

With developments in technology, general construction knowledge and manufacturing processes, MMC have evolved from the more conventional methods to a large extent. MMC can be defined as those that provide greater efficiency in the construction process, resulting in increased production, better quality, in less time and with less waste, so reducing the environmental impact.

Modern methods of construction

Typical examples of off-site manufactured methods include:

panel building systems volumetric construction hybrid construction using a combination of panel and volumetric sub-assemblies and components incorporated into a building.

Timber-framed construction

Timber-framed construction refers to a range of methods from the traditional post and beam and onsite stick-built, to the more modern open or closed panels and SIPs (structural insulated panels).
Open panels are made from softwood studwork. External walls are sheathed on the outer face with a sheet material. The panels are manufactured to suit the building layout and transported to site where they are rapidly erected on prepared foundations to provide the building structure. With open panels, windows, services, internal linings and external cladding are all fitted on site.
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Timber-framed construction

Closed panels are based on the same studwork framing system as open panels but factory prefabrication goes further, with insulation and internal linings incorporated to close the panel. With closed panels, windows, doors, services and external cladding can all be factory fitted, which further reduces on-site construction.

Timber-framed construction

What are SIPs?

SIPs (structural insulated panels) use factory-produced wall and roof panels of a sandwich construction. They comprise two layers of sheet material (plywood or OSB) bonded to a foam insulation core (phenolic foam, polyurethane foam or expanded polystyrene).
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Timber-framed construction

Unlike standard timberframe panels, SIPs do not require internal studs for their structural performance, resulting in a continuous layer of insulation, which eliminates thermal bridging.

Volumetric construction

What is volumetric construction?

Volumetric construction uses three-dimensional room-size or bigger units produced in a factory. They are fully finished internally, complete with plumbing and electrical services, before they are transported to site and positioned onto prepared foundations to form buildings of varying heights.
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Volumetric construction

Volumetric units can be manufactured using light gauge steel frames, timber frames, concrete panels and SIPs. Volumetric units, termed pods, are sometimes used in conjunction with other construction methods to create a hybrid construction. Pods are often used for highly serviced areas such as kitchens and bathrooms, so that services can be undertaken and tested in factory conditions.

Roofs

Traditionally, the timber supporting structure for the roof-covering material was marked out, cut and erected on site.

Today, factory-made trussed rafter roofs have largely replaced the cut roof.

The most modern method is now to use pre-assembled roof structures.

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Roofs

The whole roof is pre-assembled and weatherproofed in a factory or at ground level on site before being craned into place on top of the superstructure. This creates a weatherproof structure more quickly than assembling the roof in situ. It also has potential health and safety benefits as the workforce do not have to undertake all of the work at height.

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Pre-fabricated foundation systems

What are pre-fabricated foundation systems?

Pre-fabricated foundation systems consist of a series of steel or pre-cast concrete ground beams and other components that are factory produced. These can be assembled on top of concrete pads or piles to form the wall foundations more quickly and accurately than conventional ones. Ground-floor slabs can either be in situ concrete or factory pre-cast beams and blocks.
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Thin joint masonry

What is thin joint masonry?

Thin joint masonry uses aerated concrete blocks of close dimensional tolerance that are available in a range of widths and coursing heights. Being up to three times the size of standard blocks, they are a quick, clean and accurate construction system for both cavity and solid walls.

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Thin joint masonry

A cement-based adhesive is applied to the bed and perpendicular joints with an applicator rather than a trowel to give a 23mm ribbed layer. This ensures the joints are fully filled and the blocks easily levelled. It sets more rapidly than normal mortar, giving early stability to the wall. The main advantages over conventional masonry walls are its reduced build time coupled with increased build quality, improved thermal performance, air-tightness and reduction in the amount of waste.

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Insulated concrete formwork (ICF)

What is insulated concrete formwork (ICF)?

ICF uses insulation in the form of hollow polystyrene blocks or sheets as permanent formwork. These are stacked to form the walls. The central cavity is filled with concrete to form the load-bearing element of the walls. Reinforcing steel can be added before the concrete is poured to give increased strength. Outside surfaces can be rendered and internals plastered to make airtight and thermally efficient.
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Other MMC

What other examples of MMC are there?

The use of stressed-skin panels as pre-assembled upper-floor panels, termed cassettes. These require far fewer on-site labour hours per floor area. There are health and safety benefits also as the workforce do not have to undertake all of the work at height. The use of timber-engineered support beams, such as I beams and metal web joists, enables large unsupported spans, giving a greater flexibility in space planning.

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Other MMC

Use of electrical wiring looms that are preassembled using semi-skilled labour into various lengths. These are terminated with plugs that simply connect into sockets and electrical equipment on site. Use of prefabricated plumbing systems or push-fit plumbing fittings. Pre-assembled pipe work and fittings are used in volumetric units to speed up factory production. Push-fit plumbing systems can be used on site to speed up pipe work and appliance installation using less skilled labour. List any other MMC that you have identified.
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