Table 1 Results from the various tests that were used to characterise the physical properties of the mats

Mean Shore A hardness (±SE)

64 (0.16)

70 (0.22)

61 (0.16)

Mean wet friction (μ)*

0.59

0.63

0.38

 (Maximum)

(0.67)

(0.70)

(0.40)

 (Minimum)

(0.53)

(0.57)

(0.37)

 (±SE)

(0.04)

(0.04)

(0.01)

Mean dry friction (μ)*

0.71

0.74

0.40

 (Maximum)

(0.74)

(0.76)

(0.43)

 (Minimum)

(0.67)

(0.72)

(0.38)

 (±SE)

(0.02)

(0.01)

(0.02)

Compression (mm)

 As result of applied stress equivalent to application of one hoof

0.839

1.090

0.933

Creep (mm)

 As result of an applied stress equivalent to the application of one hoof for 300 s

0.095

0.138

0.292