Abstract: A ground covering with adjoining plates clamped to one another by means of tensioning elements extending essentially parallel to the plates and through the plates. Positive locking elements are provided between neighboring plates and effective transversely to the plane at the plates. The positive locking elements comprise spacer holders having domed or arched impact or contact surfaces engaging in sockets at the narrow sides of the plates, and the width of such spacer holders, measured parallel to the plane containing the plates, is smaller than the spacing between the plates.