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.

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A systematic study was carried out to improve the mechanical properties of medium carbon steel grade SAE 1040 by heat treatment processes. Test specimen were prepared according to ASTM standards. Test specimen were heat treated in Gas furnace at austenitization temperature of 700C to obtain fully austenite structure, soaked for 90 minutes, cooled in air and furnace, and quenched in water separately. Mechanical properties such as hardness, tensile strength, yield strength, breaking strength, Young’s Modulus, elongation and impact energy were investigated in this study. It was observed that water quenching enhances materials’ hardness, tensile strength, yield strength, breaking strength and Young’s Modulus while reducing the elongation and impact energy as compared with untreated specimen. Furnace cooling decreases materials’ hardness, tensile strength, yield strength, breaking strength, Young’s Modulus while increasing the elongation and impact energy as compared with untreated specimen. Air cooling improved the materials’ mechanical properties such as hardness, tensile strength, yield strength, breaking strength, Young’s Modulus, elongation and impact energy as compared with untreated specimen. The results of this study show that the heat treatment technique greatly influences the mechanical properties of medium carbon steel grade SAE 1040.

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