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.

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.

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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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