Multi-purpose mat

The field is lightweight panels, connectors and tools used to construct mats that enable or enhance mobility across unstable terrain. Multipurpose panels having L-shaped tabs are interconnected using durable connectors to form a multipurpose mat that facilitates mobility over otherwise unstable terrain. In one embodiment, four-sided panels are fabricated from laminations of fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) with radiused rectangular holes machined in each of two adjacent edges and a recessed L-shaped tab formed along opposing adjacent edges. The connectors are fabricated from corrosion resistant metal and assembled to precise specifications prior to insertion in the rectangular holes machined in pre-specified types of panel. Top and bottom plates of durable connectors are fabricated from 6061-T6 aluminum stock. A threaded bolt used to tie the plates together, to which a liquid threadlocker is applied, is fabricated from a steel alloy suitable for use with aluminum. Two specially fabricated tools, a spacer guide and an alignment tool, may be used to optimize installation. These also may be fabricated from 6061-T6 aluminum stock.