MODCONS

Objectives

The main objectives of the MODCONS Project are:

• To design, prototype and test a timber modular building.
• To optimise the fire performance of a timber modular building
• To optimise the acoustic performance of timber modular building.
• To examine the life cycle performance and reduce the impacts  during construction and deconstruction.
• To examine the use of modified wood material for structural applications.

Project Team

NUI Galway Team

• Prof. Annette M. Harte, Project Coordinator 
• Dr. Patrick McGetrick, Principal Investigator
• Dr. Conan O'Ceallaigh, Post-doctoral Researcher
• Ms. Rimjhim Kashyap, PhD Researcher

MTU Team

• Mr. Des Walsh, Principal Investigator
• Mr. Andrew Macilwraith, Lead Researcher
• Dr. Joe Harrington
• Mr. Kieran Ruane

Industry Partners

 There are five industry partners:

• CPAC Modular
  
• EireComposites
  
• Murray Timber Group
• Punch Consulting Engineers
• Rothoblaas
  

News and Events

23/11/22 - Build with Wood - The Pathway to Net Zero

The Timber Engineering Research Group were delighted to attend the "Built with Wood" Conference hosted by Coillte at Beyond the Trees Avondale at Avondale Forest Park, Co. Wicklow. The “Build with Wood – The Pathway to Net Zero” conference saw timber frame producers, construction professionals and policymakers gather to discuss the growing industry and focused on barriers to the increased use of timber in construction and how we can increase the percentage of timber frame housing from 20 to 80% in the Republic of Ireland and utilise sustainable timber solutions to address housing needs while also cutting the use of more carbon-intensive materials.

Professor Annette Harte of the Timber Engineering Research Group took part in a discussion panel and highlighted the ongoing research at the University of Galway focused on structural timber design, timber characterisation,  engineered wood product development and industry R&D projects that are supporting the industry as we transition to a low-carbon society. 

27/05/22 - Rothoschool - Ireland 

The TERG Research Group were invited to participate in the first Rothoschool in Ireland which saw leading experts in the timber industry from Ireland and Europe speak on the hottest topics in mass timber construction. The Timber Engineering Research Group presented the ongoing work of the MODCONS Project to over 55 engineers, architects and contractors interested in upskilling on mass timber construction.  The Mass Timber industry is fast developing worldwide, and the Rothoschool allows professionals to come together and get informed, creating valuable networking opportunities and enriching their knowledge.

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12/12/19 - 2019 Competitive Research Call Launch with Minister Creed  

Prof. Annette M. Harte, leader of the  Timber Engineering Research Group of NUI Galway met with Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed at the launch of the 2019 Competitive Research Call where funding for the "Modular mass timber building for the circular economy (MODCONS) project was announced.  The project will focus on the design, development and experimental testing of sustainable modular timber building solutions to support national needs while also creating export opportunities in the sector. The proposed modular building solution will maximise the use of Irish timber in cross-laminated panels for walls and floors and will be optimised for structural integrity, fire, acoustics and vibration. 
Read more about the event using the following Link.

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Pictured: Prof. Annette Harte with Minister Michael Creed and other successful researchers

Publications

MODCONS Project Brochure
The MODCONS Project Brochure highlights the main objectives of the MODCONS Project

MODCONS Project Summary - March 2022
The MODCONS Project Summary highlighters the main activities of the project as of March 2022

Conference Publications

• O’Ceallaigh C., McGetrick P., Harte A.M., (2022) Dowel Laminated Timber Elements Manufactured using Compressed Wood Dowels. In Proceedings of CERI 2022 - Civil Engineering Research in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland 25-26 of  August 2022. Download
• ‌M. Yasir, A. Macilwraith, and K. Ruane, Effect of protective cladding on the fire performance of vertically loaded cross-laminated timber (CLT) wall panels, In Proceedings of CERI 2022 - Civil Engineering Research in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland 25-26 of  August 2022 Download
• O’Ceallaigh C., McGetrick P., Harte A.M., (2022) Numerical examination of the structural behaviour of sustainable adhesive-free engineered wood products. In Proceedings of the ESMC 2022 - 11th European Solid Mechanics Conference, Galway, Ireland 4-8 July. Download
• O’Ceallaigh C., McGetrick P., Harte A.M., (2021) The Structural Behaviour of Compressed Wood Manufactured using Fast-grown Sitka Spruce. In Proceedings of the World Conference on Timber Engineering (WCTE) 2021, Santiago, Chile 9-12 August. Download

Mailing List

To keep up to date with ongoing work within the MODCONS Project, join our mailing list using the link below.

A goal of the "MODCONS Project", is to disseminate relevant information to all stakeholders within the construction industry (architects, building professionals, clients, foresters, engineers, sawmiller etc.). The information disseminated is related to ongoing research, industry events, industry innovations and changes to standards and regulations that can affect the industry.

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Links

• MODCONS Project Brochure
• MODCONS Project Twitter
• Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine