Assessment of Rocks from Part of Sw Nigeria for Composite Interlocks Production: Implication from Engineering and Market Analyses

Assessment of Rocks from Part of Sw Nigeria for Composite Interlocks Production: Implication from Engineering and Market Analyses | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article Assessment of Rocks from Part of Sw Nigeria for Composite Interlocks Production: Implication from Engineering and Market Analyses Olufemi S., Bamigboye, Toba E., Bamidele, Omolayo A., Omorinoye, and 3 more This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-7120051/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract This work assessed the suitability of five selected rocks from part of southwestern Nigeria for production of composite interlocking bricks. To achieve this, field mapping, composite interlocks production, petrographic study, water absorption capacity (WAC), Uniaxial Compressive Strength (UCS) analyses with market survey in part of Lagos, Kwara and Kogi States were carried out. The rock samples were dissected into 20cm by 10cm by 2cm and given a rough surface polishing while the produced composite interlocks were allowed to set for a week and cured for two weeks. The result of the UCS shows that migmatite has the required 40.8Mpa while others rocks have less than 40Mpa. The WAC of the rocks ranges from 4.6 to 10.2. Responses from the market survey were subjected to statistical analysis. The result also shows that most of the respondents in the states found the finished products appealing, of good value for money and very unique. Varying percentages of the respondents want the composite interlocks at varying percentage of price increase over the cement interlocks. Furthermore, the respondents prefer the composite interlocks to be of monotonous rock cap while some of them want it for uniqueness. The conclusion drawn at the end of this work is that migmatite is more suited for the construction of composite interlocking brick. In addition, the composite interlocks production and sales has a good prospect as a business. Interlocks Composite Market Engineering test Nigeria Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6 Figure 7 Figure 8 Introduction Construction industry remain one of the largest and ever increasing industry with the introduction of new material and designs despite attending significant contribution of this industry to total gas emission into the atmosphere (Valim et al., 2025 ). Because of the gas emissions that are associated with construction industry, global warming and climate challenges, there is need for use of naturally occurring earth material in construction (Brinkman and Wiehle, 2023). The earth materials that have been used include clay, sand and mixture of these materials in different proportion with or without additives such as rice husk, dried grasses etc. According to Allen and Hallo ( 2004 ), brick is one of the most common masonry materials in building, its manufacturing history dates back to 6000BC using a soft mud process in which a relatively moist clay is pressed into simple rectangular molds by hands. To keep the sticky clay from adhering to the molds, the molds were usually dipped in water immediately before being filled, producing brick with a relatively smooth, dense, surface known as the water struck brick. Bricks manufacturing gradually advanced from the sift mud process to the dry press process. The dry process was used for clay that shrinks while drying to improve the quality of brick. The process involves placing a mixture of clay then compacted before being cured in the open to improve the property. However, the brick produced from the process had several shortfalls on the mechanical properties of the clay. Further advances lead to the production of fire bricks which Chudley et al., ( 2020 ), described as involving the firing of a stack of a loose array of mixed clay in molds. Venta ( 2000 ) noted that brick curing at very high temperatures is energy consuming and a major contribution to greenhouse gas. Reducing greenhouse gas emission and the total carbon footprint of the construction is vital to the improvement of the built environment to address the concern; several studies have been conducted to explore the potential of producing brick without much firing or without firing at all. Rahman, ( 1987 ) investigated the properties of clays and-rice ash bricks. Demir et al. ( 2005 ) examined the utilization of Kraft pulp residue in clay brick production in another study which involved the application of submerged arc welding flux slag as raw material and bricks. (Caroline et al., 2009 ) linear shrinkage, water absorption, apparent porosity, apparent density, and flexural strength were determined. (Hendry and Khalaf, 2001 ) opined that despite curing the bricks produced in a number of their studies at a restively low temperature, the result shows that curing is also important to improve the mechanical and durability properties of interlocks. Besides, recent innovations in the construction industry are geared towards incorporating the basic principles of sustainability. The basic principle of sustainability is reduced, reuse, and recycle. The recycling aspect of sustainability is concerned with converting waste into useable products. The built environment in many developing countries is faced with challenges of management of municipal waste whose 50% composition is plastics (Mamlouk and Zaniewski, 2006 ). Furthermore, Reinforced concrete (RC) slabs have been widely used in construction because of their low cost, good performance and durability. However, the cost of the formwork is high, ranging from 30 to 100% of the cost of the structure, depending on shape, size and finishing requirements (Razali et al., 1993 ). In addition, the self-weight of the concrete induces a high dead load on walls, columns and beams (Thanoon et al., 2010 ). Today, the growing demand for structures and bricks with improved performance has led to the research on innovative structural designs and composite bricks. One of the answers to this demand is composite bricks with different type of natural materials which normally consist of two or more materials, leading to enhanced mechanical properties that could not be provided by any single material alone and hence this research which entails using different types of rocks in the production of composite interlocking bricks. The aim of this work is to assess the acceptability of the composite interlock in the market through market survey while the objectives involve the determination of the most suitable rock for the production of the interlock. Other objectives include the determination of the state of residences influence on the respondent and reasons for their decision/preference compare to regular/concrete interlocks. Materials and Methods The methods used in this work are divided into the field work, laboratory and interview. The interview was done by administering questionnaire in parts of Lagos, Kwara and Kogi States of Nigeria. The fieldwork was done by traversing the study area. During the fieldwork, rock samples were taken while all necessary observations and measurements were also done. Samples were taken from the outcrop close to the road with the help of a sledge hammer. The collected rock samples were dissected into a slab of 20cm by 10cm by 2cm dimension. The slabs were polished to a medium shinning surface in the laboratory. The composite interlocks were produced by mixing one pan shovel of super set cement, two shovel of stone dust and 6 liters of water to mix. The mold for the composite interlock production was rubbed with used engine oil before the polished rock slab was placed inside it (Fig. 1 ). The mixed cement-stone dust aggregate was then used to fill the mold (Fig. 2 ). This was allowed to settle and solidify for 5 days and was cured with water for 4 days. The composite interlocks were subjected to water absorption capacity (WAC) and uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) tests. Market survey was done by administering questionnaires in part of Lagos (Lekki-Ajah, Ikeja, FESTAC, Ikorodu, Agege, Egbeda and Ikoyi), Kwara (Agbo –Oba, Eyenkorin, Sango and Odota) and Kogi (Isanlu-Ayetoro and Isanlu-Okegada) States. The selection of these areas is essentially to cut across the high, medium and low income earner besides the assumed high taste for fashion. In each of this area, the questionnaires were also administered in areas that are occupied by high, medium and low income earner. Responses from the respondents were subjected to statistical analyses through Chi-Square test with Null and Alternative Hypotheses to determine the significance of the responses and make informed conclusions. Figure 3a - d shows the produced interlocks Results presentation Geology and location of the study area The study area is part of the Basement Complex of Nigeria. The area from which the samples were taken is bounded by longitude 5 0 03’00”E to 5 0 10’00”E and latitude 8 0 03’00”N to 8 0 10’00”N. The samples were taken from Erinmope (a settlement at the boundary of Ekiti and Kwara States), Oko, Iloffa and Omu-Aran, all in Nigeria. This area is part of the Basement Complex of southwestern Nigeria. The rocks that underlain these area include the migmatite, the gneisses (banded gneiss, granite gneiss, and augen gneiss), porphyritic biotite granite, charnokite and minor rocks that include pegmatite and diorite (Fig. 4 ). Migmatite is the dominant rock in the study area and it is well expose close to River Orisa along Omu-Aran – Oko road covering over 2km² area. The components of the migmatite are leucocratic granite, granite gneiss, banded gneiss, amphibolite and pegmatite. These lithologies can be seen on the outcrop along Omu-Aran – Oko road. Other area where the migmatite is seen include along Omu-Aran – Iloffa road at about 300m from Omu-Aran and within Omu-Aran especially along the main road that pass through the community. Associated structures in the migmatites are strike-slip fault of dextral and sinistral type, folds that range from ptygmatitic to recumbent. The gneisses occur within the migmatite as distinct lithologies. They are generally low-lying and are of two types; the banded and the granite gneiss. Both banded and granite gneisses are seen mainly in Iloffa and along Omu-Aran – Oko axis of the area. Though the granite gneiss covers more area than the banded gneiss, the banded exhibit conspicuous alternating banding of felsic and mafic bands but this is not true of the granite gneiss. Porphyritic biotite granite outcrop as hills at Oko, Odo-Owa and along Odo-Owa-Erinmope road. The granite is composed mainly of the quartz, k-feldspar and biotite mainly but there is subordinate hornblende in the exposure at Oko close to Oko – Inisan junction. Charnokite are exposed at Erinmope in Ekiti State and at Odo-Owa along Iloffa _ Odo-Owa – Osi road. Other occurrence of the charnokite is about mid-way along Iloffa –Oko road. With the exception of the charnokite at Odo-Owa that is relatively more extensive, others occur as pocket of rock within the porphyritic biotite granite. Petrographically, the banded gneiss is characterized by elongated crystals of biotite (Fig. 5 ) with subhedral crystals of quartz. Other minerals seen include plagioclase and opaque minerals essentially. The quartz mineral accounted for 35% of the total mineral composition while feldspars, biotite and other minerals accounted for 36%, 18% and 11% respectively while the porphyritic granite is characterized by phenocryst of quartz and feldspar with subordinate biotite (Fig. 6 ). Minerals of iron oxide occur as an opaque mineral in the rock. Statistically, the mineral distribution ranges from feldspar through quartz, biotite and opaque minerals in the proportion of 43%, 41%, 36% and 18% respectively. The fine grain granite has similar mineralogical composition with the granite (Fig. 7 ). Unlike the fine grained and porphyritic granites, the charnokite has pyroxene crystals in addition to the feldspar, quartz and biotite. Their percentages sequentially is 15%, 33%, 30%,, 12% and 10% (Fig. 8 ). Result of the laboratory analyses The result of the water absorption capacity is shown in Table 1 while Table 2 shows the axial compressive strength of the composite interlocks and the concrete brick. From the Table 1 , the concrete interlock has the highest water absorption (10.2) while the interlock with charnokite rock capping has the lowest water absorption capacity of 4.6. Banded gneiss and biotite granite has water absorption capacity of 4.9 while the fine-medium grain granite has 5.3. Migmatite has the highest (6.0) absorption capacity among the composite interlocks. Good and strong aggregate will have a very low absorption value which will be below 1.0 percent. The amount of water an aggregate can absorb tends to be an excellent indicator of the strength or weakness of the aggregate. Therefore, the aggregate moisture content will affect the water content (and thus the water-cement ratio also) and the water content affects aggregate proportioning because it contribute to aggregate weight. Generally the water absorption rates for all the tested samples are above 1%. Concrete with water absorption capacity of 4–6% is considered to be durable and of good quality (Tracz and Sliwi´nski, 2012 ; Willson and Tennis, 2021 ; Golewski, 2023 ) while water absorption capacity of concrete that is below 10% is described as low (Razak et al., 2004 ). The water absorption capacities of the samples are within the recommended values. The samples probably possess desirable quality for construction. The result of the uniaxial compressive strength (Table 2 ) shows that all the composite interlocks has higher load bearing capacity than the concrete interlock. The bearing capacity of the concrete interlock is 12.6. Migmatite has the highest (40.8) and the lowest bearing capacity recorded is 28.4 in biotite granite. Other bearing capacities recorded are 34.4, 33.8 and 30.2 in fine-medium grain granite, banded gneiss and charnokite respectively. According to Dearman ( 1991 ), the Uniaxial Compressive Strength (UCS) should be higher than 35MPa for concrete aggregate production and so, only sample D has the UCS greater than 35MPA while others are less. The samples therefore have less UCS desirable quality as construction materials and as such, not suitable for most interlock construction works. Table 1 Result of water absorption capacity (A- Fine – medium grain Granite, B- Banded gneiss C- Charnokite D – Migmatite, E – Biotite granite, X – Concrete interlock) Sample No A B C D E X Wt. of sample after soaking in water for 48 hrs, Ww (g) 2,805 2,651 2,659 2,664 2,697 2,586 Wt. of sample after oven drying for 48 hrs, Wd (g) 2,663 2,528 2,543 2,513 2,570 2,346 Water absorption capacity (%) (Ww-Wd) /Wd * 100 5.3 4.9 4.6 6.0 4.9 10.2 Table 2 Result of uniaxial compressive strength (A- Fine – medium grain Granite, B- Banded gneiss C- Charnokite D – Migmatite, E – Biotite granite, X – Concrete interlock) Sample no A B C D E X Initial weight of the sample (g) 2,537 2,530 2,623 2,536 2,567 2,381 Total load at failure, F (KN) 688 676 604 816 568 252 Cross sectional area of the sample, A (mm 2 ) 20,000 20,000 20,000 20,000 20,000 20,000 Uniaxial compressive strength (N/mm 2 ) F/A 34.4 33.8 30.2 40.8 28.4 12.6 Result of the questionnaires The respondents were quizzed based on their level of education, financial status, the appealing nature of the interlocks, considerations for monetary value, preference over regular/concrete interlocks among others. Table 3 provides a breakdown of respondents across different locations in Kogi, Kwara, and Lagos states, showing their numbers and percentage contributions within each state and overall. In Kogi State, the respondents are concentrated in two locations. Isanlu-Itedo-Okegada accounts for 100 respondents, representing 35.2% of the total in Kogi, while Ayetoro has 184 respondents, making up 64.8%. Together, Kogi contributes 284 respondents, which is 36.7% of the total respondents across all states. In Kwara State, respondents are evenly distributed among four locations. Sango and Agbo-oba each contribute 50 respondents, representing 24.8% of Kwara’s total, while Eyenkorin and Odota each have 51 respondents, accounting for 25.2%. Kwara’s total of 202 respondents represents 26.1% of the overall total. In Lagos State, respondents are spread across multiple locations. The highest numbers come from Iyana Ipaja and Ikorodu, each with 42 respondents (14.6%), and Oshodi with 41 respondents (14.3%). Other locations, such as Mushin, Egbeda, Lekki-Aja, Ikeja, Victoria Island, Ikoyi, Festac, and Agege, contribute smaller shares ranging from 6.6–7.7%. Lagos has a total of 287 respondents, accounting for 37.1% of the overall total. Therefore, Lagos contributes the largest proportion of respondents (37.1%), followed by Kogi (36.7%), while Kwara has the smallest share (26.1%). The distribution shows Lagos with the broadest spread across many locations, Kogi with higher concentrations in fewer locations, and Kwara with an even distribution across its locations gives the breakdown of the respondents’ distributions by location and state Table 4 shows the distribution of respondents by their level of education across Kogi, Kwara, and Lagos states, as well as the overall total. Education levels are divided into three categories: Basic (primary school and below), Post-basic (secondary school, technical college, etc.), and Tertiary (NCE, school of nursing, polytechnic, university). In Kogi State, most of respondents (63.4%) have attained tertiary education, followed by 34.5% with post-basic education. Only 2.1% of respondents have basic education. Kogi contributes 284 respondents, representing 36.7% of the total whereas in Kwara State, the largest proportions of respondents (38.6%) have post-basic education, closely followed by 38.1% with basic education. The smallest group (23.3%) has tertiary education. Kwara’s total is 202 respondents, making up 26.1% of the overall total. In Lagos State, most respondents (67.6%) hold tertiary education, with 16.7% having post-basic education and 15.7% having basic education. Lagos contributes 287 respondents, accounting for 37.1% of the overall total. Overall, the highest proportions of respondents (54.5%) have tertiary education, followed by 29.0% with post-basic education and 16.6% with basic education. The data reveals that Lagos and Kogi have higher levels of tertiary education compared to Kwara, where a larger share of respondents has basic or post-basic education. Table 3 Distribution of Respondents by Location and State State Location Kogi Kwara Lagos Total Isanlu-Itedo-Okegada 100 (35.2%) 0 0 100 (12.9%) Ayetoro 184 (64.8%) 0 0 184 (23.8%) Sango 0 50 (24.8%) 0 50 (6.5%) Eyenkorin 0 51 (25.2%) 0 51 (6.6%) Odota 0 51 (25.2%) 0 51 (6.6%) Agbo-oba 0 50 (24.8%) 0 50 (6.5%) Egbeda 0 0 19 (6.6%) 19 (2.5%) Lekki-Aja 0 0 21 (7.3%) 21 (2.7%) Ikeja 0 0 20 (7.0%) 20 (2.6%) Victoria Island 0 0 20 (7.0%) 20 (2.6%) Ikoyi 0 0 20 (7.0%) 20 (2.6%) Festac 0 0 20 (7.0%) 20 (2.6%) Agege 0 0 20 (7.0%) 20 (2.6%) Mushin 0 0 22 (7.7%) 22 (2.8%) Iyana Ipaja 0 0 42 (14.6%) 42 (5.4%) Oshodi 0 0 41 (14.3%) 41 (5.3%) Ikorodu 0 0 42 (14.6%) 42 (5.4%) Total 284 (100.0%) 202 (100.0%) 287 (100.0%) 773 (100.0%) Table 4 Distribution of Respondents by Level of Education across Kogi, Kwara, and Lagos States State Level of Education Kogi Kwara Lagos Total Basic i.e Primary School and below 6 (2.1%) 77 (38.1%) 45 (15.7%) 128 (16.6%) Post basic i.e Secondary, Technical college etc 98 (34.5%) 78 (38.6%) 48 (16.7%) 224 (29.0%) Tertiary i.e NCE, School of Nursing, Polytechnic, University 180 (63.4%) 47 (23.3%) 194 (67.6%) 421 (54.5%) Total 284(100.0%) 202 (100.0%) 287(100.0%) 773(100.0%) Table 5 presents the distribution of respondents by their financial stability across Kogi, Kwara, and Lagos states, categorized into three groups: Average Nigerian, Wealthy Class, and Below Average. In Kogi State, larger proportion of the respondents (76.4%) fall within the "Average Nigerian" category, with 11.3% classified as part of the "Wealthy Class," and 12.3% in the "Below Average" category. Kogi contributes 284 respondents, making up 36.7% of the total. In Kwara State, a larger proportion of respondents (32.2%) fall under the "Below Average" financial category, followed by 44.6% in the "Average Nigerian" category, and 23.3% in the "Wealthy Class." Kwara has a total of 202 respondents, which accounts for 26.1% of the overall total but in Lagos State, a significant proportion of respondents (53.7%) are in the "Average Nigerian" category, with 32.4% classified as part of the "Wealthy Class" and 13.9% in the "Below Average" category. Lagos contributes 287 respondents, representing 37.1% of the total. Across all three states, the "Average Nigerian" category has the largest representation (59.6%), followed by 22.3% in the "Wealthy Class" and 18.1% in the "Below Average" group. The data indicates that Kogi has the highest percentage of respondents in the "Average Nigerian" category, while Kwara has a notably higher proportion of respondents in the "Below Average" category compared to the other states. Lagos has a significant representation in the "Wealthy Class." Table 5 Distribution of Respondents by Financial Stability Across Kogi, Kwara, and Lagos States State Financial Stability Kogi Kwara Lagos Total Average Nigerian 217 (76.4%) 90 (44.6%) 154 (53.7%) 461 (59.6%) Wealthy Class 32 (11.3%) 47 (23.3%0 93 (32.4%) 172 (22.3%) Below Average 35 (12.3%) 65 (32.2%) 40 (13.9%) 140 (18.1%) Total 284 (100.0%) 202 (100.0%) 287 (100.0%) 773 (100.0%) The Null Hypothesis (H 0 ) asserts that the state (Kogi, Kwara, Lagos) does not affect how respondents perceive the appeal of composite interlocks but the Alternative Hypothesis (H 1 ) suggests otherwise that the state has an impact on respondents' perceptions of composite interlocks. The p-value of 0.003, being less than the standard significance level of 0.05, leads to the rejection of the null hypothesis. This indicates a statistically significant association between the state (Kogi, Kwara, Lagos) and respondents' consideration of composite interlocks as appealing. In Kogi State, 88.7% of respondents find composite interlocks appealing, which is substantially higher compared to Kwara and Lagos (Table 6 ). Only 6.0% of respondents in Kogi responded "No," and 5.3% were indifferent. In Kwara State, 68.3% of respondents find composite interlocks appealing, while 15.8% responded "No" and another 15.8% were indifferent. In Lagos State, 73.5% of respondents find composite interlocks appealing, 12.5% said "No," and 13.9% were indifferent. The significant p-value suggests that the differences in responses across the states are not due to chance. This implies that the state of residence influences respondents' perceptions of composite interlocks, with the appeal varying significantly between Kogi, Kwara, and Lagos. Table 6 Respondents' Consideration of Composite Interlocks Appealing Across Kogi, Kwara, and Lagos States State consideration of composite interlocks appealing Kogi Kwara Lagos Total Yes 252 (88.7%) 138 (68.3%) 211 (73.5%) 601 (77.7%) No 17 (6.0%) 32 (15.8%) 36 (12.5%) 85 (11.0%) Indifferent 15 (5.3%) 32 (15.8%) 40 (13.9%) 87 (11.3%) Total 284 (100.0%) 202 (100.0%) 287 (100.0%) 773 (100.0%) Chi-Square Test p-value: 0.003 Null Hypothesis (H 0 ) shows that the proportion of respondents who prefer composite interlocks over regular interlocking bricks is the same across the states (Kogi, Kwara, Lagos) while the Alternative Hypothesis (H 1 ) contradict the Null Hypothesis by showing that the proportion of respondents who prefer composite interlocks over regular interlocking bricks differs across at least one of the states. With a p-value of 0.001, which is below the standard significance level of 0.05, the null hypothesis is rejected. This result demonstrates a statistically significant difference in the proportion of respondents across Kogi, Kwara, and Lagos who prefer composite interlocks over regular interlocking bricks when prices are identical. In Kogi, 78.9% of respondents preferred composite interlocks, a proportion considerably higher compared to Kwara, where 51.5% expressed the same preference. Lagos had a preference rate of 65.2% (Table 7 ). The significant p-value indicates that these differences are unlikely to have occurred by chance, showing that the state of residence significantly influences respondents’ preferences for composite interlocks over regular interlocking bricks. Table 7 Respondents' Preference for Composite Interlocks Over Regular Interlocking Bricks Across Kogi, Kwara, and Lagos States State Will you prefer this over the regular interlocking bricks if their price is the same Kogi Kwara Lagos Total Yes 224 (78.9%) 104 (51.5%) 187 (65.2%) 515 (66.6%) No 37 (13.0%) 22 (10.9%) 46 (16.0%) 105 (13.6%) Indifferent 23 (8.1%) 76 (37.6%) 54 (18.8%) 153 (19.8%) Total 284 (100.0%) 202 (100.0%) 287 (100.0%) 773 (100.0%) The analysis to determine if the state of residence influence the decision of the respondent shows from Null Hypothesis (H 0 ) that the state of residence (Kogi, Kwara, Lagos) is independent of the reasons for preferring composite interlocks over concrete interlocks but the Alternative Hypothesis (H 1 ) shows that the state of residence (Kogi, Kwara, Lagos) is associated with the reasons for preferring composite interlocks over concrete interlocks. With a p-value of 0.0002, which is below the standard significance level of 0.05, the Null hypothesis was rejected. This indicates a significant relationship between respondents' state of residence (Kogi, Kwara, Lagos) and their reasons for preferring composite interlocks over concrete interlocks. The reasons for this preference vary significantly by state. For instance, in Kogi, a large proportion of respondents prioritize the strength of composite interlocks (52.5%), while in Kwara, respondents emphasize different factors such as their class in the society or uniqueness. The findings suggest that respondents' preferences are influenced by the state in which they live. Medium surface polishing was adopted to enhance friction. The respondents were asked if the surface sheen is adequate or not. From the Null Hypothesis (H 0 ), the state does not affect whether respondents consider the surface shining enough while Alternative Hypothesis (H 1 ) state that the state affects whether respondents consider the surface shining enough. With a p-value of 0.04, which is below the standard significance level of 0.05, the null hypothesis was rejected. This suggests that there is a significant relationship between the state of residence (Kogi, Kwara, Lagos) and the respondents' perception of whether the surface shines enough. The perception of surface shine varies significantly based on the state. For instance, a higher percentage of respondents in Lagos (76.3%) consider the surface shining enough, compared to those in Kogi (59.9%) and Kwara (71.3%) (Table 9 ). A reason that can be adduced to this is probably, the variations in the climatic condition of the respondent state of residence. Therefore, the state influences how respondents perceive the shine of the surface. Table 8 Respondents' Reasons for Preferring Composite Interlocks Over Concrete Interlocks Across Kogi, Kwara, and Lagos States State Do you prefer this over the concrete interlocks because of: Kogi Kwara Lagos Total Your class 27 (9.5%) 63 (31.2%) 37 (12.9%) 127 (16.4%) Uniqueness/aesthetics 65 (22.9%) 14 (6.9%) 67 (23.3%) 146 (18.9%) Strength of the composite interlocks 149 (52.5%) 50 (24.8%) 113 (39.4%) 312 (40.4%) You want to set a standard 28 (9.9%) 8 (4.0%) 30 (10.5%) 66 (8.5%) Others 15 (5.3%) 67 (33.2%) 40 (13.9%) 122 (15.8%) Total 284 (100.0%) 202 (100.0%) 287 (100.0%) 773 (100.0%) p-value: 0.0002 Table 9 Respondents' perception of surface shine across Kogi, Kwara, and Lagos States State Do you consider the surface shining enough? Kogi Kwara Lagos Total Yes 170 (59.9%) 144 (71.3%) 219 (76.3%) 533 (69.0%) No 114 (40.1%) 58 (28.7%) 68 (23.7%) 240 (31.0%) Total 284 (100.0%) 202 (100.0%) 287 (100.0%) 773 (100.0%) p-value: 0.04 With the consideration that the composite interlock will be a new product, the respondents’ opinion was sought whether they prefer the composite interlock over the regular concrete type over a range of price compared to the the price of concrete (regular) interlocks. Their response shows from Null Hypothesis (H 0 ) that the state of residence (Kogi, Kwara, Lagos) does not affect the respondents' preference for composite interlocks over regular interlocking bricks, irrespective of their price but Alternative Hypothesis (H 1 ) proved that the state of residence (Kogi, Kwara, Lagos) affects the respondents' preference for composite interlocks over regular interlocking bricks, irrespective of their price. With a p-value of 0.01, which is below the 0.05 significance threshold, the Null Hypothesis is rejected. This indicates a significant relationship between respondents' state of residence (Kogi, Kwara, Lagos) and their preference for composite interlocks over regular interlocking bricks, regardless of price. The data reveals variations in preferences across states, with Kogi showing the highest level of preference (63.0%), followed by Lagos (41.5%) and Kwara (28.7%) (Table 10 ). These findings suggest that respondents' choices are significantly influenced by their state of residence. Table 10 Respondents' preference for composite interlocks over Regular Interlocking Bricks Across Kogi, Kwara, and Lagos States State Will you consider this over the regular interlocking bricks irrespective of their price? Kogi Kwara Lagos Total Yes 179 (63.0%) 58 (28.7%) 119 (41.5%) 356 (46.1%) No 80 (28.2%) 60 (29.7%) 75 (26.1%) 215 (27.8%) Indifferent 25 (8.8%) 84 (41.6%) 93 (32.4%) 202 (26.1%) Total 284 (100.0%) 202 (100.0%) 287 (100.0%) 773(100.0%) p-value: 0.01 Conclusion From the statistical analyses, responses from the respondent and laboratory test, it is concluded that the state of residence influences the choice of the respondents on the interlocks and may therefore be a critical factor in the interlocks production for general consumption. It is also concluded that most of the respondent prefer the composite interlocks over the regular/concrete interlock irrespective of the price and this attest to its acceptability despite possible higher unit price over the regular/concrete interlocks. In addition, societal status is one of the factors that determine the desire of most of the respondent for the composite interlocks. Furthermore, medium to rough surface polishing of the surface of the rock to be used for the production of composite interlocks is ideal. Lastly, it is concluded that migmatite is more suited for the production of the composite interlock based on respondent preference and load bearing capacity Declarations ETHICS APPROVAL AND CONSENT TO PARTICIPATE This study did not involve human or animals for experiment. For the market survey, respondents were informed about the research aim and objectives and they participated willingly. CONSENT FOR PUBLICATION Not applicable. AVAILABILITY OF DATA AND MATERIAL The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request. COMPETING INTERESTS The authors declare no competing interests. We confirm that there are no restrictions on the journal's handling of the manuscript. FUNDING This research did not receive any grant or financial support from funding agencies or institution in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors. AUTHORS’ CONTRIBUTIONS All authors contributed significantly to the study. Olufemi S. BAMIGBOYE was responsible for conceptualization, data collection, market survey, rock analysis, and manuscript preparation. Toba E. BAMIDELE, Omolayo A. OMORINOYE, and Taofeeq A. ISSA assisted with sample collection, interpretation of results, and manuscript writing. Joshua O. ADEBOYE and Habeeb A. UMAR contributed to the market survey. All authors reviewed and approved the final manuscript ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Not applicable References Allen, E. and Hallo, R. (2004) : Fundamental Of residential Construction (3rd edition), Pages. 672-673. Brinkmann, M. and Wiehle, P. (2023): Correlation between relative humidity and the strength and deformation characteristics of unstabilised earth masonry. Construction and Building Materials, 366, 130048, fev. Caroline, E. V., Dylmar, P. D., Jose, N. and Ronaldo, P. (2009) : “The use of submerged-arc welding flux Slag as raw material for the fabrication of multiple-use mortars and bricks ”, Soldagem Insp. Sao Palo , 14(3): 257–262. Chudley, R., Greeno, R. and Kovac, K. (2020): Chudley and Greeno’s Building Construction Handbook (12 th Ed.), Routledge(Taylor and Franscis Group), London, 776p Dearman, W. R. (1991): Engineer Geologic Mapping, Elsevier Ltd, 387p, https://doi.org/10.1016/C2013-0-01209-1 Demir, I., Serhat, M. and Mehmet, O. (2005) : “Utilization of kraft pulp production residues in clay brick Production”, Building and Environment, 40: 1533–1537. Golewski, G. L. (2023) : Assessing of water absorption on concrete composites containing fly ash up to 30 % in regards to structures completely immersed in water, Case Studies in Construction Materials 19 (2023) e02337, http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/s1678-86212025000100817 Hendry, W. A. and Khalaf, M. F. (2001). Masonry Wall Construction. London and New York, Taylor& Francis Group, Spon Press. Mamlouk, J.P and Zaniewski, M.S. (2006). Materials for Civil and Construction Engineers.2nd Edition. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey, Pearson Prentice Hall. Rahman, M. A. (1987) . Properties of clay-sand-rice husk ash mixed bricks. International Journal of Cement Composite Lightweight Concrete, 9: 105-108 Razali, M., Abdul, K. and Jaafar, M.S (1993) . Ferrocement in situ permanent formwork. Journal of Ferrocement, 23(2): 125–133. Razak, A.B., Chai, H.K. and Wong, H.S. (2004) : Near surface characteristics of concrete containing supplementary cementing materials, Cem. Concr. Compos. 26: 883–889. Thanoon, W.A., Yavuz, Y., Jaafar, M.S. and Noorzaei, J. (2010) . Structural behaviour of ferrocement–brick composite floor slab panel. Construction and Building Material, 24(11): 2224–2230. Tracz, T. and Sliwi´nski, J. (2012): Effect of cement paste content and w/c ratio on concrete water absorption, Cem. Wapno Beton 3: 131–137. Valim, F., Gutierrez, N. H. M., Zanatta, K. C., Martins e Silva, L., and Santos, W. J. dos. (2025): Mechanical behavior of masonry made with modular soil-cement-CDW bricks. Ambiente Construído, Porto Alegre, 25: e138935, jan./dez. Venta, P.Eng. (2000): “Life cycle analysis of brick and mortar products ” . Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences, 2 (1): 1-5. Willson, M.L., Tennis, P. (2021) : Design and control of concrete mixtures, 17th Edition PCA. Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. Cite Share Download PDF Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. 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Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-7120051","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":496017741,"identity":"0033602e-bcf0-42ab-b60f-47aeecb7a334","order_by":0,"name":"Olufemi S., Bamigboye","email":"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAZAAAAAyAQMAAABI0h/eAAAABlBMVEX///8AAABVwtN+AAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAABQUlEQVRIie2QMWvCQBTHXwgky4WslyF+hgSHVCpIv0lDIVkM2C9QIoFziXWN9EtECuJW5SAdGugacRScLNShoG0KvVMKbY3SsdD8hsfxjh//9x5ASclfRAZ4BsBgsPdY8HmHfP6dFysiCNF3BSW/UmCrwFbBznFFFZHpr5onYMkP9uRlVLd72sLB65yCKjcNsfW6p2gBMtv9IYZa6MVUTx27f+MkWpdQ0MKlIfav9xSDImuuMMUYM0Uj1I5nLskUn4KRsRQlLFLM4J0rj0875W56T6Y5G6xxTBG4knnxZMVTsJTMkMRSMFPQumAX6bLdHWJUi1iKkDrVKHXcN524CKeLFlX8/YvJwcDfDK8qlurdrjajut7rJFVzmZ9W1M7FYI7ywkNzEC8iq2f+185YIIeMHQIbvPGjdzilpKSk5N/wAUP1dklLIR0kAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC","orcid":"","institution":"Kwara State University","correspondingAuthor":true,"prefix":"","firstName":"Bamigboye","middleName":"Olufemi","lastName":"S.","suffix":""},{"id":496017742,"identity":"865fda15-43e1-44ec-bc70-cae3c7e3ceb6","order_by":1,"name":"Toba E., Bamidele","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Kwara State University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Bamidele","middleName":"Toba","lastName":"E.","suffix":""},{"id":496017746,"identity":"d8b0b0fe-5e3a-4b89-aaf8-82faad141903","order_by":2,"name":"Omolayo A., Omorinoye","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"University of Ilorin","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Omorinoye","middleName":"Omolayo","lastName":"A.","suffix":""},{"id":496017748,"identity":"2f6858db-49ff-46ae-b902-efb74a0cdb57","order_by":3,"name":"Taofeeq A., Issa","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Kwara State University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Issa","middleName":"Taofeeq","lastName":"A.","suffix":""},{"id":496017749,"identity":"09ef3f50-fb47-4dd1-82fd-b0c3fc09f168","order_by":4,"name":"Joshua O., Adeboye","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Federal University of Technology","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Adeboye","middleName":"Joshua","lastName":"O.","suffix":""},{"id":496017750,"identity":"d22d3612-c641-425f-84b5-05e9f4d6614e","order_by":5,"name":"Habeeb A., Umar","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Al-Hikma University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Umar","middleName":"Habeeb","lastName":"A.","suffix":""}],"badges":[],"createdAt":"2025-07-14 10:23:34","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":"","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-7120051/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-7120051/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":88644091,"identity":"c765bfa0-d490-497a-b789-f7540832168a","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-08-08 16:19:17","extension":"png","order_by":1,"title":"Figure 1","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":752368,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eThe polished rock slab inside the mold before casting\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"1.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7120051/v1/6a43f0ee802e5699a30f0886.png"},{"id":88640452,"identity":"27fcb495-0101-4e26-b9ab-2e5085f5a71f","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-08-08 15:55:18","extension":"png","order_by":2,"title":"Figure 2","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":330533,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eThe molded composite interlocks\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"2.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7120051/v1/f2d230f5e4711a2a80ff9c59.png"},{"id":88640699,"identity":"0b8cc357-08f5-4f6f-b20e-cdc0445b843b","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-08-08 16:03:17","extension":"png","order_by":3,"title":"Figure 3","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":696757,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eSome of the produced interlocks with their rock cappings (A- Fine – medium grain Granite, B- Charnokite C- Migmatite D –Biotite granite)\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"3.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7120051/v1/d60055004271934daee191b7.png"},{"id":88640454,"identity":"f6f857e1-a747-4099-a7f1-c25d8a8431d5","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-08-08 15:55:18","extension":"png","order_by":4,"title":"Figure 4","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":355028,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eGeology map of study areas showing sampling location\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"4.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7120051/v1/bdfef07d6b5cca5651cf4883.png"},{"id":88640457,"identity":"f859419d-5272-4e7e-bd55-1ac567c07ecd","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-08-08 15:55:18","extension":"png","order_by":5,"title":"Figure 5","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":804728,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003ePhotomicrography of fine grain granite. Plane polarized and cross polarized to left and right respectively. Q = Quartz, P = Plagioclase, B = Biotite, O = Opague\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"5.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7120051/v1/3d5e1f96538457c2660eae29.png"},{"id":88640702,"identity":"2b363dd6-764b-4a47-90ec-21962bceb761","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-08-08 16:03:18","extension":"png","order_by":6,"title":"Figure 6","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":818667,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003ePhotomicrography of fine grain granite. Plane polarized and cross polarized to left and right respectively. Q = Quartz, P = Plagioclase, B = Biotite, O = Opague\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"6.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7120051/v1/1142b89b523c1ff9d6f9ec28.png"},{"id":88640456,"identity":"25738d48-5352-42ce-8947-71c99bf3cbbb","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-08-08 15:55:18","extension":"png","order_by":7,"title":"Figure 7","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":786162,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003ePhotomicrography of fine grain granite. Plane polarized and cross polarized to left and right respectively. Q = Quartz, P = Plagioclase, MF = Microcline Feldspar, B = Biotite, O = Opague\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"7.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7120051/v1/344c4fc0e364a4dd1dd69975.png"},{"id":88640704,"identity":"92e6b0aa-f89e-435d-a29e-21ec40bd4548","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-08-08 16:03:18","extension":"png","order_by":8,"title":"Figure 8","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":825093,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003ePhotomicrography of charnokite. Plane polarized and cross polarized to left and right respectively. Q = Quartz, Py = Pyroxene, B = Biotite, O = Opague\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"8.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7120051/v1/6f854693315d689a18c17248.png"},{"id":96090639,"identity":"d9e22d88-9b51-42e9-8dac-f05ec9a59364","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-11-17 13:24:07","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":9255113,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7120051/v1/a45b847f-6e50-47b2-a010-e5a5e4d68185.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"\u003cp\u003eAssessment of Rocks from Part of Sw Nigeria for Composite Interlocks Production: Implication from Engineering and Market Analyses\u003c/p\u003e","fulltext":[{"header":"Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003eConstruction industry remain one of the largest and ever increasing industry with the introduction of new material and designs despite attending significant contribution of this industry to total gas emission into the atmosphere (Valim et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2025\u003c/span\u003e). Because of the gas emissions that are associated with construction industry, global warming and climate challenges, there is need for use of naturally occurring earth material in construction (Brinkman and Wiehle, 2023). The earth materials that have been used include clay, sand and mixture of these materials in different proportion with or without additives such as rice husk, dried grasses etc. According to Allen and Hallo (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2004\u003c/span\u003e), brick is one of the most common masonry materials in building, its manufacturing history dates back to 6000BC using a soft mud process in which a relatively moist clay is pressed into simple rectangular molds by hands. To keep the sticky clay from adhering to the molds, the molds were usually dipped in water immediately before being filled, producing brick with a relatively smooth, dense, surface known as the water struck brick. Bricks manufacturing gradually advanced from the sift mud process to the dry press process. The dry process was used for clay that shrinks while drying to improve the quality of brick. The process involves placing a mixture of clay then compacted before being cured in the open to improve the property. However, the brick produced from the process had several shortfalls on the mechanical properties of the clay. Further advances lead to the production of fire bricks which Chudley et al., (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e), described as involving the firing of a stack of a loose array of mixed clay in molds.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eVenta (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2000\u003c/span\u003e) noted that brick curing at very high temperatures is energy consuming and a major contribution to greenhouse gas. Reducing greenhouse gas emission and the total carbon footprint of the construction is vital to the improvement of the built environment to address the concern; several studies have been conducted to explore the potential of producing brick without much firing or without firing at all. Rahman, (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1987\u003c/span\u003e) investigated the properties of clays and-rice ash bricks. Demir et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2005\u003c/span\u003e) examined the utilization of Kraft pulp residue in clay brick production in another study which involved the application of submerged arc welding flux slag as raw material and bricks. (Caroline et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2009\u003c/span\u003e) linear shrinkage, water absorption, apparent porosity, apparent density, and flexural strength were determined.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e(Hendry and Khalaf, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2001\u003c/span\u003e) opined that despite curing the bricks produced in a number of their studies at a restively low temperature, the result shows that curing is also important to improve the mechanical and durability properties of interlocks. Besides, recent innovations in the construction industry are geared towards incorporating the basic principles of sustainability. The basic principle of sustainability is reduced, reuse, and recycle. The recycling aspect of sustainability is concerned with converting waste into useable products. The built environment in many developing countries is faced with challenges of management of municipal waste whose 50% composition is plastics (Mamlouk and Zaniewski, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2006\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFurthermore, Reinforced concrete (RC) slabs have been widely used in construction because of their low cost, good performance and durability. However, the cost of the formwork is high, ranging from 30 to 100% of the cost of the structure, depending on shape, size and finishing requirements (Razali et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1993\u003c/span\u003e). In addition, the self-weight of the concrete induces a high dead load on walls, columns and beams (Thanoon et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2010\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eToday, the growing demand for structures and bricks with improved performance has led to the research on innovative structural designs and composite bricks. One of the answers to this demand is composite bricks with different type of natural materials which normally consist of two or more materials, leading to enhanced mechanical properties that could not be provided by any single material alone and hence this research which entails using different types of rocks in the production of composite interlocking bricks. The aim of this work is to assess the acceptability of the composite interlock in the market through market survey while the objectives involve the determination of the most suitable rock for the production of the interlock. Other objectives include the determination of the state of residences influence on the respondent and reasons for their decision/preference compare to regular/concrete interlocks.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Materials and Methods","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe methods used in this work are divided into the field work, laboratory and interview. The interview was done by administering questionnaire in parts of Lagos, Kwara and Kogi States of Nigeria. The fieldwork was done by traversing the study area. During the fieldwork, rock samples were taken while all necessary observations and measurements were also done. Samples were taken from the outcrop close to the road with the help of a sledge hammer. The collected rock samples were dissected into a slab of 20cm by 10cm by 2cm dimension. The slabs were polished to a medium shinning surface in the laboratory. The composite interlocks were produced by mixing one pan shovel of super set cement, two shovel of stone dust and 6 liters of water to mix. The mold for the composite interlock production was rubbed with used engine oil before the polished rock slab was placed inside it (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e). The mixed cement-stone dust aggregate was then used to fill the mold (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e). This was allowed to settle and solidify for 5 days and was cured with water for 4 days. The composite interlocks were subjected to water absorption capacity (WAC) and uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) tests. Market survey was done by administering questionnaires in part of Lagos (Lekki-Ajah, Ikeja, FESTAC, Ikorodu, Agege, Egbeda and Ikoyi), Kwara (Agbo –Oba, Eyenkorin, Sango and Odota) and Kogi (Isanlu-Ayetoro and Isanlu-Okegada) States. The selection of these areas is essentially to cut across the high, medium and low income earner besides the assumed high taste for fashion. In each of this area, the questionnaires were also administered in areas that are occupied by high, medium and low income earner. Responses from the respondents were subjected to statistical analyses through Chi-Square test with Null and Alternative Hypotheses to determine the significance of the responses and make informed conclusions. Figure\u0026nbsp;3a - d shows the produced interlocks\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Results presentation","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eGeology and location of the study area\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe study area is part of the Basement Complex of Nigeria. The area from which the samples were taken is bounded by longitude 5\u003csup\u003e0\u003c/sup\u003e03’00”E to 5\u003csup\u003e0\u003c/sup\u003e10’00”E and latitude 8\u003csup\u003e0\u003c/sup\u003e03’00”N to 8\u003csup\u003e0\u003c/sup\u003e10’00”N. The samples were taken from Erinmope (a settlement at the boundary of Ekiti and Kwara States), Oko, Iloffa and Omu-Aran, all in Nigeria. This area is part of the Basement Complex of southwestern Nigeria. The rocks that underlain these area include the migmatite, the gneisses (banded gneiss, granite gneiss, and augen gneiss), porphyritic biotite granite, charnokite and minor rocks that include pegmatite and diorite (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e). Migmatite is the dominant rock in the study area and it is well expose close to River Orisa along Omu-Aran – Oko road covering over 2km² area. The components of the migmatite are leucocratic granite, granite gneiss, banded gneiss, amphibolite and pegmatite. These lithologies can be seen on the outcrop along Omu-Aran – Oko road. Other area where the migmatite is seen include along Omu-Aran – Iloffa road at about 300m from Omu-Aran and within Omu-Aran especially along the main road that pass through the community. Associated structures in the migmatites are strike-slip fault of dextral and sinistral type, folds that range from ptygmatitic to recumbent.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe gneisses occur within the migmatite as distinct lithologies. They are generally low-lying and are of two types; the banded and the granite gneiss. Both banded and granite gneisses are seen mainly in Iloffa and along Omu-Aran – Oko axis of the area. Though the granite gneiss covers more area than the banded gneiss, the banded exhibit conspicuous alternating banding of felsic and mafic bands but this is not true of the granite gneiss. Porphyritic biotite granite outcrop as hills at Oko, Odo-Owa and along Odo-Owa-Erinmope road. The granite is composed mainly of the quartz, k-feldspar and biotite mainly but there is subordinate hornblende in the exposure at Oko close to Oko – Inisan junction. Charnokite are exposed at Erinmope in Ekiti State and at Odo-Owa along Iloffa _ Odo-Owa – Osi road. Other occurrence of the charnokite is about mid-way along Iloffa –Oko road. With the exception of the charnokite at Odo-Owa that is relatively more extensive, others occur as pocket of rock within the porphyritic biotite granite.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePetrographically, the banded gneiss is characterized by elongated crystals of biotite (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e) with subhedral crystals of quartz. Other minerals seen include plagioclase and opaque minerals essentially. The quartz mineral accounted for 35% of the total mineral composition while feldspars, biotite and other minerals accounted for 36%, 18% and 11% respectively while the porphyritic granite is characterized by phenocryst of quartz and feldspar with subordinate biotite (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig5\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e). Minerals of iron oxide occur as an opaque mineral in the rock. Statistically, the mineral distribution ranges from feldspar through quartz, biotite and opaque minerals in the proportion of 43%, 41%, 36% and 18% respectively. The fine grain granite has similar mineralogical composition with the granite (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig6\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e). Unlike the fine grained and porphyritic granites, the charnokite has pyroxene crystals in addition to the feldspar, quartz and biotite. Their percentages sequentially is 15%, 33%, 30%,, 12% and 10% (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig7\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eResult of the laboratory analyses\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe result of the water absorption capacity is shown in Table \u003cspan refid=\"Tab1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e while Table \u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e shows the axial compressive strength of the composite interlocks and the concrete brick. From the Table \u003cspan refid=\"Tab1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e, the concrete interlock has the highest water absorption (10.2) while the interlock with charnokite rock capping has the lowest water absorption capacity of 4.6. Banded gneiss and biotite granite has water absorption capacity of 4.9 while the fine-medium grain granite has 5.3. Migmatite has the highest (6.0) absorption capacity among the composite interlocks. Good and strong aggregate will have a very low absorption value which will be below 1.0 percent. The amount of water an aggregate can absorb tends to be an excellent indicator of the strength or weakness of the aggregate. Therefore, the aggregate moisture content will affect the water content (and thus the water-cement ratio also) and the water content affects aggregate proportioning because it contribute to aggregate weight. Generally the water absorption rates for all the tested samples are above 1%. Concrete with water absorption capacity of 4–6% is considered to be durable and of good quality (Tracz and Sliwi´nski, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2012\u003c/span\u003e; Willson and Tennis, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e; Golewski, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2023\u003c/span\u003e) while water absorption capacity of concrete that is below 10% is described as low (Razak et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2004\u003c/span\u003e). The water absorption capacities of the samples are within the recommended values. The samples probably possess desirable quality for construction.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe result of the uniaxial compressive strength (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e) shows that all the composite interlocks has higher load bearing capacity than the concrete interlock. The bearing capacity of the concrete interlock is 12.6. Migmatite has the highest (40.8) and the lowest bearing capacity recorded is 28.4 in biotite granite. Other bearing capacities recorded are 34.4, 33.8 and 30.2 in fine-medium grain granite, banded gneiss and charnokite respectively. According to Dearman (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1991\u003c/span\u003e), the Uniaxial Compressive Strength (UCS) should be higher than 35MPa for concrete aggregate production and so, only sample D has the UCS greater than 35MPA while others are less. The samples therefore have less UCS desirable quality as construction materials and as such, not suitable for most interlock construction works.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab1\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 1\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eResult of water absorption capacity (A- Fine – medium grain Granite, B- Banded gneiss C- Charnokite D – Migmatite, E – Biotite granite, X – Concrete interlock)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSample No\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eA\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eB\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eC\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eD\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eE\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eX\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eWt. of sample after soaking in water for 48 hrs, Ww (g)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2,805\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2,651\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2,659\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2,664\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2,697\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2,586\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eWt. of sample after oven drying for 48 hrs, Wd (g)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2,663\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2,528\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2,543\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2,513\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2,570\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2,346\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eWater absorption capacity (%) (Ww-Wd) /Wd * 100\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5.3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4.9\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4.6\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6.0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4.9\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e10.2\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab2\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 2\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eResult of uniaxial compressive strength (A- Fine – medium grain Granite, B- Banded gneiss C- Charnokite D – Migmatite, E – Biotite granite, X – Concrete interlock)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSample no\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eA\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eB\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eC\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eD\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eE\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eX\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eInitial weight of the sample (g)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2,537\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2,530\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2,623\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2,536\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2,567\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2,381\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTotal load at failure, F (KN)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e688\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e676\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e604\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e816\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e568\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e252\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCross sectional area of the sample, A (mm\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e20,000\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e20,000\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e20,000\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e20,000\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e20,000\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e20,000\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eUniaxial compressive strength (N/mm\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e) F/A\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e34.4\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e33.8\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e30.2\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e40.8\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e28.4\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e12.6\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eResult of the questionnaires\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe respondents were quizzed based on their level of education, financial status, the appealing nature of the interlocks, considerations for monetary value, preference over regular/concrete interlocks among others. Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e provides a breakdown of respondents across different locations in Kogi, Kwara, and Lagos states, showing their numbers and percentage contributions within each state and overall.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn Kogi State, the respondents are concentrated in two locations. Isanlu-Itedo-Okegada accounts for 100 respondents, representing 35.2% of the total in Kogi, while Ayetoro has 184 respondents, making up 64.8%. Together, Kogi contributes 284 respondents, which is 36.7% of the total respondents across all states. In Kwara State, respondents are evenly distributed among four locations. Sango and Agbo-oba each contribute 50 respondents, representing 24.8% of Kwara’s total, while Eyenkorin and Odota each have 51 respondents, accounting for 25.2%. Kwara’s total of 202 respondents represents 26.1% of the overall total. In Lagos State, respondents are spread across multiple locations. The highest numbers come from Iyana Ipaja and Ikorodu, each with 42 respondents (14.6%), and Oshodi with 41 respondents (14.3%). Other locations, such as Mushin, Egbeda, Lekki-Aja, Ikeja, Victoria Island, Ikoyi, Festac, and Agege, contribute smaller shares ranging from 6.6–7.7%. Lagos has a total of 287 respondents, accounting for 37.1% of the overall total. Therefore, Lagos contributes the largest proportion of respondents (37.1%), followed by Kogi (36.7%), while Kwara has the smallest share (26.1%). The distribution shows Lagos with the broadest spread across many locations, Kogi with higher concentrations in fewer locations, and Kwara with an even distribution across its locations gives the breakdown of the respondents’ distributions by location and state\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e shows the distribution of respondents by their level of education across Kogi, Kwara, and Lagos states, as well as the overall total. Education levels are divided into three categories: Basic (primary school and below), Post-basic (secondary school, technical college, etc.), and Tertiary (NCE, school of nursing, polytechnic, university). In Kogi State, most of respondents (63.4%) have attained tertiary education, followed by 34.5% with post-basic education. Only 2.1% of respondents have basic education. Kogi contributes 284 respondents, representing 36.7% of the total whereas in Kwara State, the largest proportions of respondents (38.6%) have post-basic education, closely followed by 38.1% with basic education. The smallest group (23.3%) has tertiary education. Kwara’s total is 202 respondents, making up 26.1% of the overall total. In Lagos State, most respondents (67.6%) hold tertiary education, with 16.7% having post-basic education and 15.7% having basic education. Lagos contributes 287 respondents, accounting for 37.1% of the overall total.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOverall, the highest proportions of respondents (54.5%) have tertiary education, followed by 29.0% with post-basic education and 16.6% with basic education. The data reveals that Lagos and Kogi have higher levels of tertiary education compared to Kwara, where a larger share of respondents has basic or post-basic education.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab3\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 3\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDistribution of Respondents by Location and State\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eState\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eLocation\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eKogi\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eKwara\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eLagos\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eIsanlu-Itedo-Okegada\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e100 (35.2%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e100 (12.9%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAyetoro\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e184 (64.8%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e184 (23.8%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSango\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e50 (24.8%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e50 (6.5%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eEyenkorin\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e51 (25.2%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e51 (6.6%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eOdota\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e51 (25.2%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e51 (6.6%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAgbo-oba\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e50 (24.8%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e50 (6.5%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eEgbeda\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e19 (6.6%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e19 (2.5%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eLekki-Aja\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e21 (7.3%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e21 (2.7%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eIkeja\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e20 (7.0%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e20 (2.6%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eVictoria Island\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e20 (7.0%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e20 (2.6%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eIkoyi\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e20 (7.0%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e20 (2.6%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFestac\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e20 (7.0%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e20 (2.6%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAgege\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e20 (7.0%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e20 (2.6%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMushin\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e22 (7.7%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e22 (2.8%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eIyana Ipaja\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e42 (14.6%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e42 (5.4%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eOshodi\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e41 (14.3%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e41 (5.3%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eIkorodu\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e42 (14.6%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e42 (5.4%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e284 (100.0%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e202 (100.0%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e287 (100.0%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e773 (100.0%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab4\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 4\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDistribution of Respondents by Level of Education across Kogi, Kwara, and Lagos States\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eState\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eLevel of Education\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eKogi\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eKwara\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eLagos\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eBasic i.e Primary School and below\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6 (2.1%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e77 (38.1%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e45 (15.7%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e128 (16.6%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePost basic i.e Secondary, Technical college etc\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e98 (34.5%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e78 (38.6%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e48 (16.7%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e224 (29.0%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTertiary i.e NCE, School of Nursing, Polytechnic, University\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e180 (63.4%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e47 (23.3%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e194 (67.6%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e421 (54.5%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e284(100.0%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e202 (100.0%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e287(100.0%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e773(100.0%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cp\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab5\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e presents the distribution of respondents by their financial stability across Kogi, Kwara, and Lagos states, categorized into three groups: Average Nigerian, Wealthy Class, and Below Average. In Kogi State, larger proportion of the respondents (76.4%) fall within the \"Average Nigerian\" category, with 11.3% classified as part of the \"Wealthy Class,\" and 12.3% in the \"Below Average\" category. Kogi contributes 284 respondents, making up 36.7% of the total. In Kwara State, a larger proportion of respondents (32.2%) fall under the \"Below Average\" financial category, followed by 44.6% in the \"Average Nigerian\" category, and 23.3% in the \"Wealthy Class.\" Kwara has a total of 202 respondents, which accounts for 26.1% of the overall total but in Lagos State, a significant proportion of respondents (53.7%) are in the \"Average Nigerian\" category, with 32.4% classified as part of the \"Wealthy Class\" and 13.9% in the \"Below Average\" category. Lagos contributes 287 respondents, representing 37.1% of the total. Across all three states, the \"Average Nigerian\" category has the largest representation (59.6%), followed by 22.3% in the \"Wealthy Class\" and 18.1% in the \"Below Average\" group. The data indicates that Kogi has the highest percentage of respondents in the \"Average Nigerian\" category, while Kwara has a notably higher proportion of respondents in the \"Below Average\" category compared to the other states. Lagos has a significant representation in the \"Wealthy Class.\"\u003c/p\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab5\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 5\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDistribution of Respondents by Financial Stability Across Kogi, Kwara, and Lagos States\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eState\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFinancial Stability\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eKogi\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eKwara\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eLagos\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAverage Nigerian\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e217 (76.4%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e90 (44.6%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e154 (53.7%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e461 (59.6%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eWealthy Class\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e32 (11.3%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e47 (23.3%0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e93 (32.4%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e172 (22.3%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eBelow Average\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e35 (12.3%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e65 (32.2%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e40 (13.9%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e140 (18.1%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e284 (100.0%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e202 (100.0%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e287 (100.0%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e773 (100.0%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Null Hypothesis (H\u003csub\u003e0\u003c/sub\u003e) asserts that the state (Kogi, Kwara, Lagos) does not affect how respondents perceive the appeal of composite interlocks but the Alternative Hypothesis (H\u003csub\u003e1\u003c/sub\u003e) suggests otherwise that the state has an impact on respondents' perceptions of composite interlocks. The p-value of 0.003, being less than the standard significance level of 0.05, leads to the rejection of the null hypothesis. This indicates a statistically significant association between the state (Kogi, Kwara, Lagos) and respondents' consideration of composite interlocks as appealing. In Kogi State, 88.7% of respondents find composite interlocks appealing, which is substantially higher compared to Kwara and Lagos (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab6\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e). Only 6.0% of respondents in Kogi responded \"No,\" and 5.3% were indifferent. In Kwara State, 68.3% of respondents find composite interlocks appealing, while 15.8% responded \"No\" and another 15.8% were indifferent. In Lagos State, 73.5% of respondents find composite interlocks appealing, 12.5% said \"No,\" and 13.9% were indifferent. The significant p-value suggests that the differences in responses across the states are not due to chance. This implies that the state of residence influences respondents' perceptions of composite interlocks, with the appeal varying significantly between Kogi, Kwara, and Lagos.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab6\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 6\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eRespondents' Consideration of Composite Interlocks Appealing Across Kogi, Kwara, and Lagos States\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eState\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003econsideration of composite interlocks appealing\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eKogi\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eKwara\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eLagos\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e252 (88.7%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e138 (68.3%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e211 (73.5%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e601 (77.7%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e17 (6.0%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e32 (15.8%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e36 (12.5%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e85 (11.0%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eIndifferent\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e15 (5.3%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e32 (15.8%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e40 (13.9%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e87 (11.3%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e284 (100.0%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e202 (100.0%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e287 (100.0%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e773 (100.0%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003ctfoot\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"5\"\u003eChi-Square Test p-value: 0.003\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tfoot\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cp\u003eNull Hypothesis (H\u003csub\u003e0\u003c/sub\u003e) shows that the proportion of respondents who prefer composite interlocks over regular interlocking bricks is the same across the states (Kogi, Kwara, Lagos) while the Alternative Hypothesis (H\u003csub\u003e1\u003c/sub\u003e) contradict the Null Hypothesis by showing that the proportion of respondents who prefer composite interlocks over regular interlocking bricks differs across at least one of the states. With a p-value of 0.001, which is below the standard significance level of 0.05, the null hypothesis is rejected. This result demonstrates a statistically significant difference in the proportion of respondents across Kogi, Kwara, and Lagos who prefer composite interlocks over regular interlocking bricks when prices are identical. In Kogi, 78.9% of respondents preferred composite interlocks, a proportion considerably higher compared to Kwara, where 51.5% expressed the same preference. Lagos had a preference rate of 65.2% (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab7\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e). The significant p-value indicates that these differences are unlikely to have occurred by chance, showing that the state of residence significantly influences respondents’ preferences for composite interlocks over regular interlocking bricks.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab7\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 7\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eRespondents' Preference for Composite Interlocks Over Regular Interlocking Bricks Across Kogi, Kwara, and Lagos States\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eState\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eWill you prefer this over the regular interlocking bricks if their price is the same\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eKogi\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eKwara\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eLagos\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e224 (78.9%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e104 (51.5%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e187 (65.2%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e515 (66.6%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e37 (13.0%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e22 (10.9%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e46 (16.0%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e105 (13.6%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eIndifferent\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e23 (8.1%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e76 (37.6%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e54 (18.8%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e153 (19.8%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e284 (100.0%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e202 (100.0%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e287 (100.0%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e773 (100.0%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe analysis to determine if the state of residence influence the decision of the respondent shows from Null Hypothesis (H\u003csub\u003e0\u003c/sub\u003e) that the state of residence (Kogi, Kwara, Lagos) is independent of the reasons for preferring composite interlocks over concrete interlocks but the Alternative Hypothesis (H\u003csub\u003e1\u003c/sub\u003e) shows that the state of residence (Kogi, Kwara, Lagos) is associated with the reasons for preferring composite interlocks over concrete interlocks. With a p-value of 0.0002, which is below the standard significance level of 0.05, the Null hypothesis was rejected.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis indicates a significant relationship between respondents' state of residence (Kogi, Kwara, Lagos) and their reasons for preferring composite interlocks over concrete interlocks. The reasons for this preference vary significantly by state. For instance, in Kogi, a large proportion of respondents prioritize the strength of composite interlocks (52.5%), while in Kwara, respondents emphasize different factors such as their class in the society or uniqueness. The findings suggest that respondents' preferences are influenced by the state in which they live.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMedium surface polishing was adopted to enhance friction. The respondents were asked if the surface sheen is adequate or not. From the Null Hypothesis (H\u003csub\u003e0\u003c/sub\u003e), the state does not affect whether respondents consider the surface shining enough while Alternative Hypothesis (H\u003csub\u003e1\u003c/sub\u003e) state that the state affects whether respondents consider the surface shining enough. With a p-value of 0.04, which is below the standard significance level of 0.05, the null hypothesis was rejected. This suggests that there is a significant relationship between the state of residence (Kogi, Kwara, Lagos) and the respondents' perception of whether the surface shines enough. The perception of surface shine varies significantly based on the state. For instance, a higher percentage of respondents in Lagos (76.3%) consider the surface shining enough, compared to those in Kogi (59.9%) and Kwara (71.3%) (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab9\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e). A reason that can be adduced to this is probably, the variations in the climatic condition of the respondent state of residence. Therefore, the state influences how respondents perceive the shine of the surface.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab8\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 8\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eRespondents' Reasons for Preferring Composite Interlocks Over Concrete Interlocks Across Kogi, Kwara, and Lagos States\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eState\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDo you prefer this over the concrete interlocks because of:\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eKogi\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eKwara\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eLagos\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eYour class\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e27 (9.5%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e63 (31.2%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e37 (12.9%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e127 (16.4%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eUniqueness/aesthetics\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e65 (22.9%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e14 (6.9%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e67 (23.3%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e146 (18.9%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eStrength of the composite interlocks\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e149 (52.5%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e50 (24.8%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e113 (39.4%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e312 (40.4%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eYou want to set a standard\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e28 (9.9%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e8 (4.0%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e30 (10.5%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e66 (8.5%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eOthers\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e15 (5.3%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e67 (33.2%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e40 (13.9%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e122 (15.8%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e284 (100.0%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e202 (100.0%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e287 (100.0%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e773 (100.0%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003ctfoot\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"5\"\u003ep-value: 0.0002\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tfoot\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab9\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 9\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eRespondents' perception of surface shine across Kogi, Kwara, and Lagos States\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eState\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDo you consider the surface shining enough?\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eKogi\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eKwara\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eLagos\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e170 (59.9%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e144 (71.3%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e219 (76.3%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e533 (69.0%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e114 (40.1%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e58 (28.7%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e68 (23.7%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e240 (31.0%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e284 (100.0%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e202 (100.0%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e287 (100.0%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e773 (100.0%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003ctfoot\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"5\"\u003ep-value: 0.04\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tfoot\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cp\u003eWith the consideration that the composite interlock will be a new product, the respondents’ opinion was sought whether they prefer the composite interlock over the regular concrete type over a range of price compared to the the price of concrete (regular) interlocks. Their response shows from Null Hypothesis (H\u003csub\u003e0\u003c/sub\u003e) that the state of residence (Kogi, Kwara, Lagos) does not affect the respondents' preference for composite interlocks over regular interlocking bricks, irrespective of their price but Alternative Hypothesis (H\u003csub\u003e1\u003c/sub\u003e) proved that the state of residence (Kogi, Kwara, Lagos) affects the respondents' preference for composite interlocks over regular interlocking bricks, irrespective of their price. With a p-value of 0.01, which is below the 0.05 significance threshold, the Null Hypothesis is rejected. This indicates a significant relationship between respondents' state of residence (Kogi, Kwara, Lagos) and their preference for composite interlocks over regular interlocking bricks, regardless of price. The data reveals variations in preferences across states, with Kogi showing the highest level of preference (63.0%), followed by Lagos (41.5%) and Kwara (28.7%) (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab10\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e). These findings suggest that respondents' choices are significantly influenced by their state of residence.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab10\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 10\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eRespondents' preference for composite interlocks over Regular Interlocking Bricks Across Kogi, Kwara, and Lagos States\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eState\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eWill you consider this over the regular interlocking bricks irrespective of their price?\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eKogi\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eKwara\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eLagos\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e179 (63.0%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e58 (28.7%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e119 (41.5%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e356 (46.1%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e80 (28.2%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e60 (29.7%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e75 (26.1%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e215 (27.8%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eIndifferent\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e25 (8.8%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e84 (41.6%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e93 (32.4%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e202 (26.1%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e284 (100.0%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e202 (100.0%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e287 (100.0%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e773(100.0%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003ctfoot\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"5\"\u003ep-value: 0.01\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tfoot\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Conclusion","content":"\u003cp\u003eFrom the statistical analyses, responses from the respondent and laboratory test, it is concluded that the state of residence influences the choice of the respondents on the interlocks and may therefore be a critical factor in the interlocks production for general consumption. It is also concluded that most of the respondent prefer the composite interlocks over the regular/concrete interlock irrespective of the price and this attest to its acceptability despite possible higher unit price over the regular/concrete interlocks. In addition, societal status is one of the factors that determine the desire of most of the respondent for the composite interlocks. Furthermore, medium to rough surface polishing of the surface of the rock to be used for the production of composite interlocks is ideal. Lastly, it is concluded that migmatite is more suited for the production of the composite interlock based on respondent preference and load bearing capacity\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eETHICS APPROVAL AND CONSENT TO PARTICIPATE\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis study did not involve human or animals for experiment. For the market survey, respondents were informed about the research aim and objectives and they participated willingly.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCONSENT FOR PUBLICATION\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot applicable.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAVAILABILITY OF DATA AND MATERIAL\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOMPETING INTERESTS\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors declare no competing interests. We confirm that there are no restrictions on the journal's handling of the manuscript.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFUNDING\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis research did not receive any grant or financial support from funding agencies or institution in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAUTHORS’ CONTRIBUTIONS\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll authors contributed significantly to the study. Olufemi S. BAMIGBOYE was responsible for conceptualization, data collection, market survey, rock analysis, and manuscript preparation. Toba E. BAMIDELE, Omolayo A. OMORINOYE, and Taofeeq A. ISSA assisted with sample collection, interpretation of results, and manuscript writing. Joshua O. ADEBOYE and Habeeb A. UMAR contributed to the market survey. All authors reviewed and approved the final manuscript\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eACKNOWLEDGEMENTS\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot applicable\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAllen, E. and Hallo, R. (2004)\u003c/strong\u003e: Fundamental Of residential Construction (3rd edition), Pages. 672-673.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBrinkmann, M. and Wiehle, P. (2023):\u003c/strong\u003e Correlation between relative humidity and the strength and deformation characteristics of unstabilised earth masonry. Construction and Building Materials, 366, 130048, fev.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCaroline, E. V., Dylmar, P. D., Jose, N. and Ronaldo, P. (2009)\u003c/strong\u003e: \u0026ldquo;The use of submerged-arc welding flux Slag as raw material for the fabrication of multiple-use mortars and bricks\u003cem\u003e\u0026rdquo;, \u003c/em\u003eSoldagem Insp. Sao Palo\u003cem\u003e,\u003c/em\u003e 14(3): 257\u0026ndash;262.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChudley, R., Greeno, R. and Kovac, K. (2020):\u003c/strong\u003e Chudley and Greeno\u0026rsquo;s Building Construction Handbook (12\u003csup\u003eth\u003c/sup\u003e Ed.), Routledge(Taylor and Franscis Group), London, 776p\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDearman, W. R. (1991):\u003c/strong\u003e Engineer Geologic Mapping, Elsevier Ltd, 387p, https://doi.org/10.1016/C2013-0-01209-1\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDemir, I., Serhat, M. and Mehmet, O. (2005)\u003c/strong\u003e: \u0026ldquo;Utilization of kraft pulp production residues in clay brick Production\u0026rdquo;, Building and Environment, 40: 1533\u0026ndash;1537.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGolewski, G. L. (2023)\u003c/strong\u003e: Assessing of water absorption on concrete composites containing fly ash up to 30 % in regards to structures completely immersed in water, Case Studies in Construction Materials 19 (2023) e02337, http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/s1678-86212025000100817\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHendry, W. A. and Khalaf, M. F. (2001).\u003c/strong\u003e Masonry Wall Construction. London and New York, Taylor\u0026amp; Francis Group, Spon Press.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMamlouk, J.P and Zaniewski, M.S. (2006).\u003c/strong\u003e Materials for Civil and Construction Engineers.2nd\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEdition. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey, Pearson Prentice Hall.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRahman, M. A. (1987)\u003c/strong\u003e. Properties of clay-sand-rice husk ash mixed bricks. 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Wapno Beton 3: 131\u0026ndash;137.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eValim, F., Gutierrez, N. H. M., Zanatta, K. C., Martins e Silva, L., and Santos, W. J. dos. (2025):\u003c/strong\u003e Mechanical behavior of masonry made with modular soil-cement-CDW bricks. Ambiente Constru\u0026iacute;do, Porto Alegre, 25: e138935, jan./dez.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVenta, P.Eng. (2000):\u003c/strong\u003e \u0026ldquo;Life cycle analysis of brick and mortar products\u003cem\u003e\u0026rdquo;\u003c/em\u003e. Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences, 2 (1): 1-5.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWillson, M.L., Tennis, P. (2021)\u003c/strong\u003e: Design and control of concrete mixtures, 17th Edition PCA.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":true,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"Interlocks, Composite, Market, Engineering test, Nigeria","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-7120051/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-7120051/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003eThis work assessed the suitability of five selected rocks from part of southwestern Nigeria for production of composite interlocking bricks. To achieve this, field mapping, composite interlocks production, petrographic study, water absorption capacity (WAC), Uniaxial Compressive Strength (UCS) analyses with market survey in part of Lagos, Kwara and Kogi States were carried out. The rock samples were dissected into 20cm by 10cm by 2cm and given a rough surface polishing while the produced composite interlocks were allowed to set for a week and cured for two weeks. The result of the UCS shows that migmatite has the required 40.8Mpa while others rocks have less than 40Mpa. The WAC of the rocks ranges from 4.6 to 10.2. Responses from the market survey were subjected to statistical analysis. The result also shows that most of the respondents in the states found the finished products appealing, of good value for money and very unique. Varying percentages of the respondents want the composite interlocks at varying percentage of price increase over the cement interlocks. Furthermore, the respondents prefer the composite interlocks to be of monotonous rock cap while some of them want it for uniqueness. The conclusion drawn at the end of this work is that migmatite is more suited for the construction of composite interlocking brick. In addition, the composite interlocks production and sales has a good prospect as a business.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Assessment of Rocks from Part of Sw Nigeria for Composite Interlocks Production: Implication from Engineering and Market Analyses","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2025-08-08 15:55:13","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-7120051/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"260ad02a-0488-4444-b8a2-74578c489f19","owner":[],"postedDate":"August 8th, 2025","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"posted","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2025-11-17T13:23:29+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2025-08-08 15:55:13","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-7120051","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-7120051","identity":"rs-7120051","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"8U1c8b4HqxoKbykW_rLl7","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}