Projects Awarded Seed Funding – 2024

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Construct Innovate Work Ready Graduate Programme (WRGP)

One way in which Construct Innovate is supporting innovation and collaboration in the construction industry is by funding industry-led projects through Seed Funding Calls.

This year, following success of the first Seed Fund call in 2023, Centre’s second Seed Fund also attracted collaborative, impactful project proposals. A significant increase in applications received compared to the 2023 call shows the increased engagement the industry is having with Construct Innovate and the value it can bring to construction sector.

18 project proposals have been approved for funding, totalling over €1.1million in funding committed by the Centre through the Call.

The focus of these projects are wide ranging and reflect challenges the industry is facing around productivity, quality, safety and sustainability as well as opportunities for collaboration.

A brief description of 18 project funded under the Seed Fund 2024 call:

01. Pioneering and promoting the Material Passport technology in the Irish Construction Sector

Climate and housing are two of the most pressing issues facing Ireland. Addressing them requires a paradigm shift in the way we design, construct, and manage our built environment. Circularity and innovation must be at the heart of this transition. Yet, the circularity material use rate remains extremely low in Ireland – 2% in 2020. Material Passports (MP) are a key instrument to support our transition to a more circular and sustainable built environment. They provide a set of data on the characteristics of materials in products that give them value for recovery and reuse as well as for circular design strategies.

Collaborating with industry, including developers, product manufacturers and contractors, the project will explore the potential for MP and digital twins in the construction and built environment industry in Ireland. By doing so, it will develop guidance on data collection, while quantifying the circular economy benefits in the Irish market. Finally, a comprehensive set of policy recommendations on the application of material passports in Ireland will be developed.

Applicant’s name and RPO member:

Giovanni Impoco – Irish Green Building Council

Collaborators:

Kingspan, Savills, Cushman & Wakefield and Madaster

02. Modernizing Wind Load Standards for Ireland: A Comparative Analysis of Eurocode Revisions

Abstract:

This project addresses a critical need in the construction industry: updating wind load standards to match the modern Irish cityscape.The current wind load standards, known as Eurocodes, are being revised, and it’s essential to ensure these new standards accuratelyreflect today’s building types and environmental conditions in Ireland.

The primary objective is to compare wind loading values from the existing and new Eurocodes across various building types andlocations in Ireland. This involves studying various structures, including high-rise buildings, residential homes, and industrial units, todetermine any significant differences in wind loading values.

A Research Masters student will conduct this 18-month study, guided by experts from UCD and Arup. The expected outcomes include adetailed comparison of wind loading values, and recommendations for the new code of practice.

The significance of this research lies in its potential to enhance building safety and efficiency. By ensuring accurate wind loadspecifications, the project aims to prevent over-conservative designs that waste materials and avoid under-conservative designs that could compromise safety. The findings will contribute to economic savings, environmental sustainability, andthe overall improvement of construction practices in Ireland. The results will be disseminated through reports, presentations, and aproject video, ensuring that the knowledge gained benefits industry professionals, policy makers, and the public.

Applicant’s name and RPO member:

Jennifer Keenahan – University College Dublin

Collaborators:

Arup

03. Tailoring Steel Fibres for 3D Printed Concrete in Civil Engineering Applications within the Irish Construction Sector

Abstract:

The Irish construction sector lags in productivity due to reliance on manual labor and traditional methods. 3D concrete printing (3DCP)offers a promising solution for improved construction speed, quality, safety, reduced cost, and lower embodied carbon via materialsavings. However, 3DCP faces challenges like microcracks from material shrinkage due to quick setting. These cracks may affectthe structural integrity of the printed components, but the addition of steel fibres can control them.

The aim of this project is to develop a 3DCP mix with steel fibres that can control cracking and significantly reduce embodied carbon compared to traditional construction methods by optimizing material use, enhancing structural performance, eliminating the need forformwork, and building thinner structural components. The resulting optimized 3DCP mix with steel fibres will exhibit enhanced crackresistance, structural integrity, reduced material slumping, and increased design flexibility for complex and customized shapes.

Less embodied carbon, economy, flexibility, and efficiency are expected to be achieved by 3DCP technology, ultimately contributing totransformed construction approaches in Ireland. The outcome of the project aims to advance and promote the adoption of 3DCP inconstruction domestically and globally by tackling challenges related to less embodied carbon, enhanced material properties, and structural performance.

Applicant’s name and RPO member:

Mehran Khan & Ciaran McNally – University College Dublin

Collaborators:

Harcourt Technologies Ltd (HTL)

04. RUBBERPAVE: Integration of ELTs Produced Crumb Rubber in Pavement Construction for Enhanced Performance

Abstract:

Every year, millions of end-of-life tires (ELTs) pose a significant environmental challenge worldwide, with only half of them beingrecycled. In Ireland alone, over 40,000 tons of waste tyre rubber are managed by CircolELT, with a mere 10% being recycled. This accumulation of scrap tyres not only threatens the environment but also creates breeding grounds for disease-carrying pests and poses fire hazards due to the presence of oxygen within tyres. To address these challenges, contribute into green circular economyand promote sustainable development, this project focuses on integrating ELTs produced crumb rubber into pavement construction.

By incorporating crumb rubber into asphalt mixtures, the project aims to enhance pavement performance and durability. Tasks includeinvestigating the effect of crumb rubber on bitumen digestion time, stability, flowability, rutting resistance, and acoustic properties ofasphalt mixtures. Through a comprehensive approach, including literature review, experimental studies, and analysis, the project will develop optimal techniques for incorporating crumb rubber into asphalt, considering environmental impact and asphalt properties.

The project’s innovation lies in its thorough experimental investigations of ELTs produced crumb rubber in pavement construction. Itaims to improve pavement properties, extend pavement life, and ensure long-term durability and performance of rubberized pavement.

Applicant’s name and RPO member:

Dr.Muhammad Muhammad – University College Dublin

Collaborators:

CircolELT

05. Alternative Irish-based materials suitable as cementitious binders

Abstract:

This project will investigate the availability of suitable cement-replacement materials in Ireland. These new Supplemental CementitiousMaterials (SCMs) will reduce the clinker factor in cement-based construction materials with a substantial reduction of embodied carbon.

In 2023, the government Cement and Concrete Decarbonisation Working Group recommend an urgent need to explore and developalternative cement materials to enable low carbon concrete mixes in the medium to long term. Ireland currently relies on GGBS forlow carbon concrete which is a finite resource and will become increasingly scarce.

There are three parts to the project:

Review potential SCMs resources and mapping the volume and availability on an all-island basis.
Undertake a small-scale laboratory study to observe how the SCMs perform during hydration and within Thermodynamic models will use this data to predict the behaviour of the new cements over time and within harsh environments.
Develop a high-level road map for further research and route to approval for these SCMs.

Collaboration with the industry partners will foster innovation to produce a new economically viable and scalable material for effective decarbonisation and position the Irish cement sector for value added exports and increased

competitiveness.

Applicant’s name and RPO member:

Dr. Niall Holmes – Technological University Dublin

Collaborators:

Roadstone & Futurecast

06. Assessment of recycled tyres as underlay floor treatment (ART-FLOOR)

Abstract:

This project will evaluate the feasibility and performance of using recycled tyres as an underlay floor treatment, emphasizing theirenvironmental, acoustic, and economic benefits. Utilizing recycled tyres addresses the significant issue of tyre waste by repurposingthem into valuable building materials, thereby reducing landfill impact and conserving natural resources.

The study examines the acoustic properties of recycled tyre underlays, particularly their effectiveness in sound absorption and noise insulation, which could make them suitable for residential, commercial, and industrial settings. Of particular interest is their use inenvironments where impact noise is a factor, such as gyms, hospitals (e.g., rolling of medicine carts), and upstairs/downstairs transmission in apartments. It is hypothesized that rubber underlays may reduce noise generation at the source, especially when thenoise is due to the interaction between the floor and an impacting object.

The assessment will also evaluate the durability and shock-absorbing capabilities of these materials, making them ideal for high-trafficareas and environments requiring impact resistance. The project includes an economic analysis comparing the initial and long-termcosts of recycled tyre underlays with traditional materials, demonstrating their potential cost-effectiveness over time.

Applicant’s name and RPO member:

Dr.Eoin A.King & Dr. Kevin Moerman – University of Galway

Collaborators:

CircolELT

07. Roadmap for small builders to transition to green finance

Abstract:

The Home Performance Index has successfully linked green finance and sustainable homes for larger homebuilders with 22,000homes registered. However, there is a significant gap in knowledge and capacity for the smaller builders to access green finance through HPI certification.

The proposal will engage with financial institutions, funders and smaller home builders to develop for them a time defined pathway fortransition to more sustainable building practices from a basic entry level to higher levels for ambition. The pathway will align with EUtaxonomy based on 3rd party verified criteria. This is intended to move them from their current practice for design and development ofhomes to full alignment with national policy including the climate action plan, the national planning framework for compact growth,European sustainable building and climate policy. It gives financial institutions assurance that they are on a transition pathway toalignment with EU Taxonomy.

The intent is that home builders will be brought on a journey to understand and implement the essential often cost neutral criteriabeyond energy efficiency that are crucial to the delivery of sustainable housing and signal to the industry a clear direction of travel of both green finance and sustainable homes.

Applicant’s name and RPO member:

John Fingleton – Irish Green Building Council

Collaborators:

Ardcairn Capital, Home Building Finance Ireland, Construction Industry Federation & AIB.

08. (A)I-COMPLI: AI Supported Automated Construction compliance inspection

Abstract:

The issue of non-compliance with regulations, defects and poor quality during on- site construction is an issue internationally. Forinstance, defects in up to 100,000 apartment buildings in Ireland are set to cost the state at least €2.5 Billion. Current on-siteinspection regimes are largely visual, manual and analogue with error rates of up to 30% reported. They are also undertaken on a sampling basis with large portions of building elements not formally inspected, which in turn has been linked to operative behavioralissues contributing to poor quality.

This project aims to seed the disruption of visual construction inspections through the application of Artificial Intelligencetechniques based on Computer Vision and Machine Learning via camera technology. Utilizing reality capture (from real and lab-based construction examples) our system will be trained to identify and prompt potential issues of non-compliance for furtherevaluation. The solution will provide a proof of concept for the enhancing of visual inspections through a time and location specific digital solution.

When developed the solution can reduce defects, associated costs and impacts by automatically flagging potential issues andtransforming compliance behavior. In turn it can disrupt the sector and support digitization while delivering positive social, economic and environmental impacts.

Applicant’s name and RPO member:

Dr. Mark Mulville – Technological University Dublin

Collaborators:

Evercam Construction Cameras

09. Automated Predictive Estimation Tool for Pricing Modern Methods of Construction (LGS) Building Projects

Abstract:

Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) such as light gauge steel (LGS) systems are particularly suited to 3-10 storyresidential/hotel/commercial developments. Such systems use less embodied carbon, fewer materials, are higher quality and areconstructed more quickly compared to traditional methods of construction. One of the major barriers to adoption of LGS systems is thepricing of projects as there is a low rate of conversion from tendering to winning projects (<5%).

The LGS industry needs a new approach to pricing because there are many projects where LGS is competitive but not winning due to inaccurate pricing. This project aims to develop an innovative software solution to automate theestimation of tender pricing for LGS. By leveraging historical data from Evolusion’s significant database of successful MMC projects (>1,000), the software will data mine the database in terms of building types, number of stories, etc to provide precise estimates of critical materials and costs.

This tool will significantly benefit the construction industry by streamlining the estimation process. The impact will be the MMC industry being able to create its own pipeline, which is a major blocker for more widespread adoption of MMC.

Higher adoption of MMC will improve productivity, affordability and sustainability.

Applicant’s name and RPO member:

Dr. Daniel McCrum – University College Dublin

Collaborators:

Evolusion Innovation, Ireland, Etex R&D Innovation Center

10. Testing the Regulatory Sandbox Approach in Ireland to Support Innovation in the Construction Industry

Decarbonising the built environment requires innovation in materials and processes. To date, the construction industry has lagged behind others in adopting innovations. While this can be explained by various factors, the project focuses on the complex interplay between innovation and regulation. It explores how the regulatory sandbox concept could be piloted in Ireland to support greener construction.

First used in fintech, regulatory sandboxes are a tried and tested instrument used in more than 50 countries. They allow innovative businesses to test new businessideas and products in a certain time frame under regulatory supervision of the relevant authorities. They bring together innovators and regulators to cooperate, test, and learn about innovative processes/materials in a controlled setting.

Building upon the learnings of regulatory sandboxes for green construction run by the Austrian Ministry of Climate, and in close cooperation with government and industry, the project will develop a concept of a regulatory sandbox that can be piloted in Ireland. By doing so, it will contribute to addressing regulatory areas of tension in the green building sector.

While some areas of tension were identified as part of past projects and at

AIMday 2024, areas where regulatory experimentation would add value will be further refined and prioritised.

Applicant’s name and RPO member:

Marion Jammet – Irish Green Building Council

Collaborators:

Irish Institutional Property, Coillte & Henry J Lyons.

11. Development of the Green Binder Ireland 3050 (GBI3050) system for Ireland: Promoting sustainable cement production using alternative binders (Part I)

The sole dependence of the Irish construction industry on high-clinker Portland cements is delaying the adoption of sustainablepractices. In addition, the excessive utilization of these cements in concrete makes the construction sector a primary contributor to ournational carbon emissions. These cements have a high embodied carbon and there is an imperative to use significantly lower clinker contents.

The Department of Enterprise Trade & Employment have this week (28-05-2024) introduced a requirement for a minimum of 30%reduction in clinker content for public projects. In this context there is a clear need for more sustainable concrete binders, but the routeto market for such products is unclear, as standards are

based around “traditional” cement products.

This project focuses on developing a performance framework for evaluating innovative low-clinker cements. The primary concernlies with the absence of a systematic framework in Ireland for new materials. This stifles innovation and maintains the high carbonstatus quo. This project proposes to develop a comprehensive evaluation framework, the Green Binder Ireland 3050 (GBI3050) system, and will provide a clear methodology for evaluating innovative cements. This will be based on the current international stateof the art, and include guidelines, testing methods, and economic and environmental evaluations.

A comprehensive framework that supports the development of low clinker cements would be the key outcome of the project. Thiswould promote more sustainable construction practices and support Ireland’s climate action goals of 2030 and 2050.

Applicant’s name and RPO member:

Mehran Khan & Ciaran Kelly – University College Dublin

Collaborators:

Ecocem Ireland Limited

12. Residential building performance modelling for better indoor environment

Buildings are the single largest energy consumer in Europe. EU countries must decarbonise their national building stocks by 2050;however, meeting this target requires new technologies combined with user engagement to deliver the necessary transformativechange. With people spending on average 90% of their lives indoors, the impact of indoor environment on health and comfort of building occupants is vital. In densely populated cities, with airtight energy efficient buildings and health risks associated with poor ventilation,improving indoor environment requires urgent attention and next generation thinking.

The project will utilise computational simulation to evaluate the performance of residential buildings under the future climate. Additional to estimating the building energy consumption, the research will investigate indoor environmental conditions for buildingoccupants, such as thermal comfort and air quality. The project will build on the findings from previous research, where recentliterature review has found a gap in research relating to occupant-centric building performance in changing climate.

The proposed project will evaluate the performance of different apartment typologies to allow for the development of new guidelines onhow to design, construct and operate buildings in future weather scenarios.

This will ensure resilient buildings that provide healthy and comfortable indoor environments for their occupants.

Applicant’s name and RPO member:

Prof. Magdalena Hajdukiewicz – University of Galway

Collaborators:

Land Development Agency (LDA)

13. Structural health monitoring of mass timber for the Irish Climate

This project is focused on exploring the use of mass timber as a building material in Ireland. Ireland does not have a significant cultureof building with timber, but timber is a strong, sustainable construction material, and can help reduce the carbon footprint of the buildenvironment. However, we need to understand how well timber buildings perform in Ireland’s climate, which is often characterised as mild and damp due to our temperate oceanic climate.

To provide evidence to support this decarbonisation strategy, it is proposed to monitor a mass timber building by placing sensors insideit to track temperature, humidity, and moisture levels. This will help us understand how the building and the structural timber elementsreact with the prevailing weather conditions over time. By gathering this data, we can demonstrate that timber buildings are safe, durable, and environmentally friendly.

Additionally, this project will serve as a learning opportunity for the construction industry in Ireland, demonstrating the opportunities to utilise timber in Ireland and will also create a demonstration structure to inform the general public about the benefits of timberconstruction. Ultimately, we aim to encourage the use of timber in construction, making buildings greener and more sustainable.

Applicant’s name and RPO member:

Dr. Conan O’Ceallaigh – Atlantic Technological University

Collaborators:

G Frame Ltd

14. Reducing Embodied Carbon in the Manufacture of LGS Modular Construction

Abstract:

Light Gauge Steel (LGS) systems are increasingly used in construction for their strength, quick project delivery, and precision. The carbon intensity of the materials used pose environmental challenges. This project aims to reduce these emissions by exploring innovative materials, efficiency of module design, optimizing manufacturing and installation processes.

Problem Statement:

It is estimated that approximately 37% of our carbon emissions stem from the construction and built environment sector, 14% of which includes the emissions from producing and transporting building materials.

Objectives:
• Establish current embodied carbon for LGS modular construction and compare against other forms of construction.
• Develop recommendations to reduce the embodied carbon of modular solutions.
• Select a number of these that have the biggest impact and work these through from a regulatory and viability perspective.

Expected Outcomes:
• Establish where LGS modular construction sits in the Embodied Carbon Landscape
• Set of recommendations that could be implemented into the modular system and its processes.
• Reduction in the embodied carbon of the LGS modular system

Significance:
By reducing embodied carbon in modular construction, we can have an impact on construction in Ireland and we can encourage the wider adoption of modular and MMC solutions in the industry for future projects.

Applicant’s name and RPO member:

Prof. Jamie Goggins – University of Galway

Collaborators:

Framespace Solutions Ltd

15. Optimizing Slot and Stud Panel Connectors for Light Gauge Steel Framing Systems: Development and Testing

Abstract:

Light Gauge Steel (LGS) framing systems continue to be more widely adopted in the construction industry and are extensively used for2D and 3D solutions due to its lightweight strength, speed of project delivery and manufacturing precision.

The interconnections between steel panels and other structural elements are crucial for overall stability, structural performance and panel alignment and plumbness. This project aims to develop and test innovative slot and stud panel connectors designed specificallyfor LGS framing systems.

Problem Statement:

Current connections between panels is very labour intensive, time consuming and relies heavily on the experience of the installer toensure panels are plumb and aligned when completing the connections.

Objectives:

Design new slot and stud connectors that are easy to
Develop prototype and test these connectors both structurally and in the field.
Optimise the design for cost-effectiveness.

Expected Outcomes:

High-performance connectors that have the required structural capacity and improve install efficiencies.
Faster and more accurate installation, reducing construction time and labour costs.
Cost-effective production of connection

Significance:

This research and testing could have big impacts in improving the efficiency and

accuracy of LGS framing systems during install, leading to more economical building practices and offerings.

Applicant’s name and RPO member:

Prof. Jamie Goggins – University of Galway

Collaborators:

Framespace Solutions Ltd

16. PRODIGI: Probabilistic Digital Twins for Bridges

This project is dedicated to enhancing bridge maintenance through the development of a probabilistic digital twin—a sophisticated virtual model that mirrors the real-time behaviour of bridges and predicts future conditions using probabilistic algorithms. Currently,bridge monitoring often relies on reactive measures that can be costly and inefficient, potentially leading to safety risks and infrastructure failures that disrupt daily life and incur significant repair expenses.

The goal of the project is to integrate real-time sensor data into a dynamic digital twin model that not only reflects the current state of thestructure but also uses advanced probabilistic methods to forecast potential structural issues. This approach enables us to estimatethe likelihood of future problems, allowing for proactive, data-driven decisions that can prevent costly repairs, enhance bridge safety, and achieve sustainability of existing infrastructure.

This project will use the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Bridge in New Ross as a test- case for the feasibility of a complex digital twin, withdata facilitated by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII). By using the data available for this bridge, the project will not only advance ourunderstanding and application of digital twin technology but also demonstrate the practical benefits of incorporating probabilisticmodels into the routine care of critical infrastructure, marking a significant advancement in public safety and infrastructure management.

An example of a digital twin for bridges can be seen with the Hamburg smartBRIDGE.

Applicant’s name and RPO member:

Dr. Ciarán Hanley – University College Cork

Collaborators:

Roughan & O’Donovan consulting Engineers

17. RIADA: Irish road network Rapid Impact Assessment (RIA) for an efficient recovery after major disasters

Natural disasters keep increasing in number and intensity due to climate change, impacting the environment, the economy and theinfrastructure. In particular, road infrastructure is highly affected by these events and, as a principal ‘lifeline’ in a community, its disruption can have significant consequences. Tangible examples can be found in the numerous events recorded in Ireland in recent years, such as flooding, storms and freezing temperatures that annually affect the road infrastructure all over the country, causing disruption and damages.

This project primarily aims to develop a consistent and systematic Rapid Impact Assessment (RIA) framework to assess the conditionof the road network in Ireland immediately after major disasters. Additionally, it aims to raise awareness on the importance and benefitsof having a process in place. While a framework and guidance for emergency management have been developed in Ireland, a systematic process to assess the impacts of the event itself is not yet available and included in any policies.

The RIA framework will provide road administrators with a tool for a rapid evaluation of the consequences of a disaster, estimating theresources required, and facilitating informed optimised economic decisions for a more efficient recovery and use of funds.

Applicant’s name and RPO member:

Dr. Ciarán Hanley – University College Cork

Collaborators:

Roughan & O’Donovan consulting Engineers

18. Solar Construct: Enabling the use of solar energy in the construction sector

The project will develop a solar structure tailored for the needs of the construction industry. Solar panels are being increasinglyinstalled in domestic and commercial rooftops. 2023 saw solar panels installed on 1000 roofs per week. The project partner, SolarStructures, provides customized solar installations to domestic and commercial clients. Solar Structures wants to expand itsproduct range to include an offering suitable for use in the construction sector.

The government housing for all strategy estimates that Ireland needs 33,000 homes per year from 2021 to 2030. In parallel to this, thereare also a variety of commercial and infrastructure projects planned. Currently, if a construction company wants to install solar panelson-site, they must commission and install their own system. Given the temporary nature of building sites this is currently costprohibitive. Solar Structures wants to offer an off-the-shelf, modular, solar array which integrates into typical construction sites. Thegoal of this project is to design the structure of this array and test structural elements of the system.

Applicant’s name and RPO member:

Michael Flanagan – University of Galway

Collaborators:

Solar Structures

The outcome of each project will be published and available through Construct Innovate as the projects complete and are available to all.

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Projects Awarded Seed Funding – 2024

NEWS

One way in which Construct Innovate is supporting innovation and collaboration in the construction industry is by funding industry-led projects through Seed Funding Calls.

A brief description of 18 project funded under the Seed Fund 2024 call:

01. Pioneering and promoting the Material Passport technology in the Irish Construction Sector

02. Modernizing Wind Load Standards for Ireland: A Comparative Analysis of Eurocode Revisions

03. Tailoring Steel Fibres for 3D Printed Concrete in Civil Engineering Applications within the Irish Construction Sector

04. RUBBERPAVE: Integration of ELTs Produced Crumb Rubber in Pavement Construction for Enhanced Performance

05. Alternative Irish-based materials suitable as cementitious binders

06. Assessment of recycled tyres as underlay floor treatment (ART-FLOOR)

07. Roadmap for small builders to transition to green finance

08. (A)I-COMPLI: AI Supported Automated Construction compliance inspection

09. Automated Predictive Estimation Tool for Pricing Modern Methods of Construction (LGS) Building Projects

10. Testing the Regulatory Sandbox Approach in Ireland to Support Innovation in the Construction Industry

11. Development of the Green Binder Ireland 3050 (GBI3050) system for Ireland: Promoting sustainable cement production using alternative binders (Part I)

12. Residential building performance modelling for better indoor environment

13. Structural health monitoring of mass timber for the Irish Climate

14. Reducing Embodied Carbon in the Manufacture of LGS Modular Construction

15. Optimizing Slot and Stud Panel Connectors for Light Gauge Steel Framing Systems: Development and Testing

16. PRODIGI: Probabilistic Digital Twins for Bridges

17. RIADA: Irish road network Rapid Impact Assessment (RIA) for an efficient recovery after major disasters

18. Solar Construct: Enabling the use of solar energy in the construction sector

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