What are the types of modern methods of construction?
Modern methods of construction (MMC) is a commonly used term, but what does it actually mean?
With government targets in 2019 set at 300,000 new homes built every year by the mid-2020’s, there is a need to find the perfect combination between efficiency, quality and sustainability. MMC vary in type and benefit, so below we take a look at what some of the most common methods are, and why they’re important for our future.
What are modern methods of construction?
Most homes in the UK today were built using a traditional ‘brick-and-block’ approach to construction. However, alternative methods that depart from this approach are becoming increasingly common, particularly in the construction of social housing.
MMC is a collective term to describe these alternative construction practices. Off-site, factory production of the component parts of properties is a common characteristic of MMC. This includes ready-made walls, floors, roofs and entire rooms, which can be transported to their end destination for assembly, often in a matter of hours.
3D volumetric construction
Also known as modular construction, 3D volumetric construction consists of units being produced in a controlled environment (such as a factory or warehouse) before being transported to site.
This can range from the base unit being made, or they can include internal walls and finishes installed ready for assembly. Being produced in a controlled environment with the same materials allows for speed and consistency, as well as with quality and precision.
Flat slabs
Flat slab construction involves placing flat slabs of concrete that are placed and reinforced with concrete columns, and in doing so removing the need for beams. A key benefit of this method is that it offers flexibility in layout, such as no restrictions on height between floors, and reduces the time needed for construction.
Timber frames
Timber frame construction uses a range of structural frames that have been made off-site in a factory, such as external and internal walls, floors and roofs to help form a combined structure which can be clad in another material such as brick on-site.
Timber frame construction is a sustainable method of construction, using renewable materials, and also offers the designers a great deal of flexibility for both the layout and appearance of the property.
Precast panels
Precast panels are where floor and wall units are made off-site and transported to be erected on-site to form a solid structure which can be ideal for things such as new builds where repetitive projects are made.
Similar to other pre-prepared methods, this offers speed, accuracy and quality, with factory made components following a rigid process before being easy to erect on-site. Panels can include windows, doors and furnishes as well, providing the designer with the flexibility in production.
Concrete walls and floors
Concrete is a highly important material for construction, with its strength, rigidity, fire resistance and longevity all key aspects of making a solid structure. Concrete floors are usually a flat slab of concrete which has been either poured in-situ or that has been pre-made and transported to site. Mixed with rebar, also known as reinforcement steel, it is able to carry heavy loads and increase overall strength, ideal for ground floors.
Precast foundations
Precast foundations, also known as precast concrete, are prepared and produced off-site in a factory using reusable moulds and can be attached to other panels to create a structure.
Most commonly used for walls, this method can also be used for beams, floors and stairs. Precast foundations are a very efficient, economical, and practical method of construction, and are particularly useful if weather conditions are poor.
Twin wall technology
Twin wall technology is a method that combines both pre-made concrete and in-situ concrete, which helps with both speed and strength of the structure. Twin wall technology occurs when two walls which have been pre-made are joined and reinforced before the gaps are filled with concrete.
Also used to join concrete walls and concrete floors together, this method is quick and economical too.
Thin joint masonry
Thin joint masonry allows a thinner depth of mortar (3mm or less compared to 10mm) which results in faster laying and improved productivity.
The mortar cures quickly, usually achieving full strength within two hours which enables more structures to be laid in a day.
For further insight into MMC and the importance of rebuilding in a sustainable way, download our whitepaper 'It’s time to rethink what sustainable construction really means'.
