Load distribution and absorption underlayment system with transition features

A load distributing and absorbing infrastructure tile in a load distributing and absorbing system that lies below a superstructure material that is exposed to percussive forces, the load distributing and absorbing infrastructure tile being interposed between the superstructure material and a foundation below, the load distributing and absorbing tile having

• a barrier layer for distributing at least some of the percussive forces that lies below the superstructure material and is quadrilateral with edges B1, B2, B3 and B4, the edges B1 and B2 including female trapezoidal registration features, the edges B3 and B4 including male trapezoidal registration features;
• an absorbing member for absorbing at least some of the percussive forces that is positioned below the barrier layer, the absorbing member being quadrilateral and having edges A1, A2, A3 and A4, the absorbing member including hat-shaped energy absorbing units, at least some of the hat-shaped energy absorbing units having
• a floor positioned below the barrier layer, the barrier layer being primarily for load distribution;
• a curvilinear wall primarily for load absorption, the curvilinear wall extending from the floor, the curvilinear wall having a lower portion;
• and
• a ceiling lying above the foundation, the ceiling connecting facing sections of the curvilinear wall of adjacent hat-shaped energy absorbing units, wherein
• the barrier layer is secured to an absorbing member so that
• edge B1 of the barrier layer overlies edge A1 of the absorbing member and edge B2 of the barrier layer overlies edge A2 of the absorbing member, creating an L-shaped platform and a transition feature between tiles of differing heights of curvilinear wall;
• edges A4 and A3 of the absorbing member extend beyond respective edges B4 and B3 of the barrier layer,
• edges A3 and A4 creating an L-shaped roof,
• the L-shaped platform having registration features that engage corresponding registration features of adjacent L-shaped platforms, so that the overhang of the barrier layers and proximity of the absorbing members on adjacent tiles distribute a load applied to the barrier layer over a broad area, thereby distributing a percussive or point-applied load when exerted either on a seam between adjacent tiles or within a tile, regardless of wall height in adjacent tiles.