What are the modern methods of construction (and how do they work)?
Posted on: 11 December, 2024
Find out the new and innovative trends that are helping the construction sector address its impact on the climate crisis.
To address the worsening climate crisis, we need immediate and transformative sustainable development across the globe. This applies to all organisations as well as the sectors they operate in, in particular, the built environment and the construction industry.
Beyond building structures that take up natural land and resources, our sector is one of the biggest contributors to carbon emissions. However, the need for buildings is only expected to grow. In fact, it’s estimated that by 2050, the global population will have reached around 9.7 billion. So, simply not building any new structures is a non-option.
As a result, those operating in the built environment must be able to adapt and find a new range of approaches that fit within the remits of global carbon emissions targets.
Ultimately, it’s about getting the right balance between the growing need for residential buildings and infrastructure amid the housing crisis and the need for sustainability and carbon-neutral initiatives. It’s also important to get the perfect combination of efficiency, quality and sustainability within all structures moving forward, leading to some huge innovations in modern methods of construction (MMC) and several new ways of working have emerged.
But what are these new building methods, and how they can be beneficial for the future of both the industry and the environment?
What are modern methods of construction (MMC)?
The term ‘modern methods of construction’ (MMC) refers to the new and innovative ways of building structures that are being adopted by those in the construction industry right now.
Several key methods are continuously emerging as a result of new technologies and automated production, such as 3D volumetric construction, flat slabs and precast panel systems. These differ from traditional methods in several ways, not least of all because they place greater importance on flexibility.
6 different types of MMC
There are a wide range of modern building techniques and technologies being adopted right now.
1. Modular buildings and 3D printing
Modular buildings are made up of several key components that can be created off-site in a controlled environment, before being transported to the project site.
An inherent benefit of off-site manufacturing is the reduction of costs, meaning built environment professionals can save time and money, and quality control is far more effective.
Similarly, digital technology 3D printing is being used to create prototypes or print complex elements. This makes it possible to save time and money, as well as produce high-quality and uniform components.
Learn more: Modular construction 101: here’s how it’s making buildings sustainable
Flat slab construction
As the name suggests, this method relies on flat concrete slabs reinforced with concrete columns. This removes the need for beams and offers flexibility in the design layout. It also cuts down the time required to create them, and the cost of cladding.
Timber framing
Timber frame construction uses large wooden beams and columns to create a skeleton for the structure before the exterior layers are added – whether that’s concrete, glass, or steel cladding.
This process helps to insulate the structure and make it stronger and more durable, increasing the lifecycle of the building and its components.
Precast panels
With this method, precast cladding panels are made on a production line in a mass production line in a factory environment, typically out of concrete or glass.
These panels can be uniform or they can be to a bespoke design with various features and specifications, depending on the needs of the contractors. For example, a wall panel could be made with a specific window or door space.
These elements are then delivered to construction sites to be put together as required.
Learn more: A guide to prefabrication (and how is it transforming construction)
Twin wall technology
Twin wall technology is a combination technique that relies on precast concrete and fresh, in-situ concrete.
These walls are initially created using two concrete slabs but are filled with wet concrete for reinforcement. Not only is this a faster method, but it’s also more economical and can lead to more durable structures.
Hybrid methods
There are a lot of hybrid construction methods being designed and adopted that combine different MMC for the most impressive and beneficial results.
For example, some projects may combine semi-volumetric 3D building techniques with prefabricated panel systems.
This approach allows businesses in the sector to embrace the best parts of their chosen methods for maximum cost savings and process improvement.
The benefits of adopting MMC in the built environment
The use of panels, slabs and pre-fabricated components actually streamlines the entire building process, which can be beneficial for keeping pace with the ever-rising population.
The ability to produce structures, like quality homes, more quickly can also reduce the cost of labour and materials and these savings can be passed on to the consumers. This is another key benefit amidst the ongoing cost of living crisis.
Of course, one of the inherent benefits in which smart construction will impact the future of the built environment is that it can help to promote and deliver greater sustainability.
For one thing, contractors can better monitor and manage the use and waste of resources and cut down on the raw materials required. On top of that, organisations that provide construction materials can choose renewable energy sources such as solar panels to fuel factory production over traditional fossil fuels.
Finally, the ability to create resources and materials with the same specifications means that industry leaders can more easily plan for production. Again, this cuts down on waste and ensures they only produce and purchase the materials they actually need.
Final thoughts
The above methods of construction can transform the traditional construction process in a number of ways. Implementing a combination of these actionable innovations and modern methods of construction will make it possible for organisations in the industry to start reducing their negative impact on the environment.
