Abstract: A mat of the kind having a plurality of first strips of rigid material such as aluminium, and a plurality of second strips of flexible material such as rubber, interposed alternately between the first strips, the first and second strips being secured together side-by-side by connecting means wherein said first strips each comprise an upper horizontal wall and a depending wall connected thereto, the apertures provided in said depending wall, and the or each connecting element extending through apertures in the first and second strips and being of such configuration so as to restrain the upper walls of the first strips from deforming downwardly to any substantial extent when a load is imposed.