Patrick McGetrick

National University of Ireland, Ollscoil na Gaillimhe – University of Galway

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Dr. Patrick McGetrick is a structural engineering researcher whose work is reshaping how steel-framed buildings are designed and assembled. His primary research areas center on advanced steel connections, digital manufacturing in construction, and rapid assembly technologies. McGetrick’s most significant contribution is the invention of the Intermeshed Steel Connection, a radically new universal connection for gravity frames that leverages precision cutting techniques—such as laser and water jet—to eliminate field welding and minimize bolting. This innovation, detailed in his 2020 paper (20 citations), directly addresses the construction sector’s lag in adopting digital manufacturing. His subsequent work (2022, 3 citations) further explores pairing robotic arms with these cutting methods to enable near-instantaneous erection, promising dramatic reductions in on-site labor and construction time. By pioneering connections that are both structurally efficient and assembly-friendly, McGetrick is bridging the gap between advanced manufacturing and traditional construction. His research offers a compelling path toward safer, faster, and more cost-effective steel building systems, making him a key figure to watch for students and practitioners interested in the future of structural steel design.