Construction projects facing cost overrun is a common problem in developing countries, including Pakistan. This research paper identifies the major cost overrun factors faced by construction projects in Pakistan and also provides recommendations to reduce the cost overrun. To main objectives of this research is to identify the critical cost overrun factors and its controlling measures. To attain objectives, the first in-depth literature review was conducted, which helped to identify 33 common cost overrun factors. Secondly, a structured questionnaire was established among stakeholders of the construction sector to share feedback about the critical cost overrun factors. Results showed that stakeholders of construction projects (consultant, contractor, and client) have a different perception of cost overrun. After identification of major cost overrun factors, interviews were carried among mostly experienced stakeholders for mitigation and control measures. This research delivers a better understanding of major cost overrun factors. Also, it provides recommendations to stakeholders of construction projects as well as other professionals of Pakistan to control cost overrun.
Occupancy, particularly in urban areas, requires more space than ever. Space constraints need erection of high rise buildings in place of short height buildings. This need demolishing of old structures which creates huge quantities of demolished concrete. One of its best disposals is its use in new concrete. Therefore, this research work uses 50% replacement of natural coarse aggregates with coarse aggregates from old concrete to study the flexural stress-strain behavior of reinforced concrete beams. Total of 12 reinforced concrete beams (900x150x150 mm) were cast with 2#4 bars in tension and 2#4 bars in compression zones. Ordinary Portland cement with hill sand and crush aggregate was used in 1:2:4 proportions. Water cement ratio used is 0.54. The beams were cast in two batches, one with 100% natural aggregates and another with 50% natural coarse aggregates replaced with coarse aggregates from old concrete. In each batch 3 beams were cured for 7 and 28 days respectively. After curing all beams were tested with central point load. The beams were monitored at regular intervals for load, displacement, strain and load until first crack. The beams under study were compared with the controlled specimen. The results were in good agreement with the normal concrete specimen. Maximum reduction in flexural stress is recorded as 8.8% for 7-day cured beams and 5.52% for 28-day cured specimen. Thus, the use of coarse aggregates from demolished concrete in new concrete is proved to be promising partial replacement of coarse aggregate in terms of flexural stress-strain relationship.
Crowded city centers pose serious problems of infrastructure and associated facilities. Construction industry is obliged to opt for vertical construction in place of short height structures in order to meet with the needs. This leads to the generation of huge quantities of demolishing waste whose management is a serious issue. One of its best uses is its utilization in new concrete. Concrete is widely used in construction industry. Normally 1:2:4 mix is used, but the use of rich mix is also common in columns and elsewhere. Therefore, this research work focuses on evaluating the flexural stress-strain behavior of rich concrete mix beams made with 50% replacement of natural coarse aggregates with coarse aggregates from old concrete. A total of 12 reinforced concrete beams 1:1.5:3 ratio mix and 0.54 w/c ratio are prepared in two batches in 0.9mx0.15mx0.15m beams. In the first batch, natural coarse aggregates are replaced in 50% with coarse aggregates from demolished concrete and the second batch contains beams made with all-natural coarse aggregates. To reinforce the beams, 2#4 deformed bars are used in compression and tension zone along with #3 stirrups at 15cm c/c all along the length of the beam. In each batch, half of the beams are cured for 7 days and half for 28 days. After curing, all beams are tested for load, deflection, and strain in a universal load testing machine. All parameters are recorded at regular intervals and cracking and failure patterns are monitored. From obtained results, it is analyzed that the beams presented 11.68% reduction in flexural capacity. Cracking pattern and failure mode of the beams is similar to those of the control specimen.
This research paper presents an experimental evaluation of the effect of water-cement ratio on the flexural strength of reinforced concrete beams made with 50% replacement of coarse aggregates with recycled concrete aggregates (RCA). 72 reinforced concrete beams were cast using 0.54, 0.6, 0.65 and 0.70 water-cement ratio. In each ratio, 12 beams were cast using RCA and 3 beams were cast using all-natural coarse aggregates (NCA). Beams were cured for 7 and 28 days. After curing, all beams were tested with central point load in a universal load testing machine. From the obtained results, it is observed that the maximum reduction in flexural strength of RCA beams is about 28% when compared to the 0.54 w/c ratio beams of the same group and 31.75% in comparison to NCA beams cast with same w/c ratio. The maximum deflection and average strain in beams remained within limits. The observed cracking pattern shows shear failure of all beams.
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