Modern Methods of Construction (MMC)
Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) is driven by legislation – Materials, components & Systems are all being developed at a greater pace than ever before in the Construction Industry to provide greater Energy Efficient Buildings.
MMC – Offsite refers to modern methods of construction which has predominantly been manufactured and assembled in a factory controlled environment.
MMC – Onsite refers to modern methods of construction which brings together systems or components which are predominately assembled onsite.
Systems, Components & Materials
Systems – Define methods of building or techniques which comprise the majority of a building thus defining it as a system rather than a component alone: e.g. Timber Frame
Components – Parts of a building made up from singular or multiple materials which can be offsite or site assembled, and can be used in a variety of system types: e.g. Joists, Roof Trusses, and SIPS Roof Cassettes
Materials: – Individual elements which combine to make component parts or full systems. New materials are being designed as single elements, components and the basis for full building systems.
Offsite/Benefits – Increased Quality & Reduced Time & Cost
- Reduced Prelims due to shorter time on site
- Reduced Project Management Costs
- Reduced Professional Fees
- Reduced Programme Times
- Reduced Defects and Rework due to high first time quality.
- Reduced Wastage on site.
- Reduced Weather Dependency.
- Increased Procurement Strategies.
- Reduced Reliance on Transient Labour.
- Increased Health and Safety on Site.
MMC Offsite Types
Panelised Construction –Describes the process of manufacturing and assembling components & materials to form external and internal walling and flooring assemblies for rapid erection on site (Panels can be fully assembled & have services pre-installed).
Volumetric Construction – Describes the process of manufacturing & assembling components & materials to form entire buildings or rooms which are then transported to site & erected (rooms or Buildings can be completely finished, serviced and decorated ready for immediate occupation).
MMC Offsite Systems
- Timber Frame – closed, filled and open cell.
- Structurally Insulated Panels (SIPS)
MMC Offsite SIPS
Structurally Insulated Panels (SIPS) – Comprise a structural core of insulation which is glue bonded on each face to racking board – Materials for the board varies with manufacturers but typically are Plywood, OSB or one of the new Composite Boards
MMC Onsite Systems
Onsite Systems – Comprise many methods which benefit from the use of modern materials. As the name implies, these systems are mainly assembled or constructed onsite – The methods are many and varied, the systems approach leads to increased speed and quality. E.g. Timber Frame, Glulam Framed Buildings.
MMC – Components & Materials
MMC is not limited to systems, it embraces components & materials which make up the components themselves.
Components can for individual elements, or the assembly of many materials & sub components which can be used on a variety of system types previously looked at. E.g. SIPS Roof Cassettes, Pre assembled roof structures.
