32 more particularly the fact that the layer is composed of multiple fragments of the resilient layer as opposed to an open mesh or fabric composed of elongated strands as noted previously fragments 33 undergo elastic compression in response to forces transmitted vertically through upper layer 30 by contrast elongate strands in a support layer having any appreciable depth would respond to such vertical forces by elastic bending this difference is illustrated in fig5 showing one of fragments 33 and an elongate flexible strand 54 with broken lines in each case indicating the elastic deformation for a support layer having the same depth as support layer 32 the result would be a decreased capability to absorb shock and a reduced degree of elastic recovery after the force is removed such multiple strands if packed together may prevent drainage through the support layer or at least reduce drainage to an unacceptable level by contrast the interconnected interstitial passages between the support layer fragments provide excellent drainage through support layer 32 which yields several advantages support layer 32 readily accepts and transfers water downwardly away from upper layer 30 thus moisture drains more rapidly from the upper layer after a rain and in general the layer retains less moisture especially in the case of wood mulch bark mulch or wood chips the upper layer retains its favorable impact attenuation characteristics and resists rot and other deterioration the useful life of the loose fill material is lengthened and maintenance costs are reduced the desirability of maintaining a dry wood mulch is known for example it is a common practice to recommend installing.