Natural fibres exhibit improved sustainability and similar mechanical properties to E-glass. However, for laminates there is a larger difference in properties and limited assessments of structural components. An analytical method for grillages is developed which is generally shown to predict the stress to within 5% of an FEA model. The simulations demonstrate a change in structural response between flax and carbon, with flax demonstrating higher stresses than expected for the lower Young's modulus for the same topology. Flax is shown to be more sensitive to transverse Young's modulus than standard composites and a better characterisation of this property is required.

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PurposeCost overruns remain a persistent problem in the construction industry. Although various cost management strategies have been implemented, innovative approaches are still required. Therefore, the authors attempted to introduce and test a new cost management strategy for the construction industry.Design/methodology/approachZero-based budgeting (ZBB) is one such method whose effectiveness has been proven in different industries over many years. Therefore, the authors initially developed two different frameworks related to the integration of ZBB into a multinational construction contractor and the application process of ZBB for a construction project in this study. Then, the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed frameworks are tested via an actual field study in a mega construction project.FindingsThe results show savings of 0.81% of the total project budget and 4.74% of the focused cost items by following the ZBB framework compared to the traditionally estimated project budget. The feedback received from the employees in the construction company shows that ZBB could be efficiently implemented during ongoing construction projects.Research limitations/implicationsThe authors believe that implementing new cost management strategies such as ZBB will open doors to deal with the complex cost overrun issues and improve construction cost performances.Originality/valueThis manuscript is the first actual application of the ZBB cost management approach in the construction industry.