| Why is a burial vault needed? Cemeteries require
the casket to be enclosed within either a burial vault
or grave liner. There are vast differences in these two products. By definition
a burial vault is a lined and sealed unit that is specifically engineered to support
the weight of the earth above the grave as well as the heavy equipment that passes
over it.
The weight of the earth and heavy equipment used to dig graves
far exceeds what an unprotected casket can withstand.
A burial vault which is made of specially formulated, reinforced concrete is designed
to support the elements and more. Concrete becomes stronger as it continues
to cure with age after being placed in the ground; so a vault properly buried
years ago could actually be stronger today. Water-resistant, lined burial
vaults are made to guard against impact and moisture. Burial vaults are made to
exceed cemetery requirements for strength and rigidity. How
burial vaults work The structural design of the burial vault supports the
weight of the earth above the casket by:
1. The
weight and design of the vault
2. Use of reinforced concrete
3. The use
of materials which are used for sealing and lining The weight of the earth
above a grave can exert tremendous pressure on the burial. Mechanical equipment,
backhoes and delivery trucks can exceed 25,000 pounds as they pass over the grave.
Burial vaults weigh between 2,300 and 2,700 pounds. They are designed to support
these tremendous forces from above. Some of the most important reinforcement
in burial vaults lies in the vault cover. The covers of vaults employ primary
and secondary reinforcement to help support the loads from above. In addition,
the design of the burial vault cover distributes pressure from above evenly over
the vault surface. Additional reinforcement is placed in the concrete itself. The
use of lining and sealant materials places the most efficient resources available
between the outside forces of weight and water and the casket
that has been placed within. Linings and butyl seals merge the cover and base
of the vault into a water-resistant unit. They work together to keep the effects
of outside elements from damaging the casket and its contents.
This section is to help you make a
wise decision and selection of
a outer burial concrete vault container for the burial of your loved one.
The "Cemetery" requires an outer
concrete burial vault for all
burials place in the earth.
 |
| This
above photo shows how a concrete burial vault helps to support a grave from collapsing. |
 |  | |
Bronze Vault
Color Bronze/Gold Concrete
with ABS Trilon, 26 oz bronze liner
|
Continental Vault
Color Concrete/Black
Concrete with ABS Marbelon
|
| | 
| | Monticello
Vault
Color Concrete/Rusty Red Concrete with Strentex |
Standard #5 Vault
Color
Concrete/White Unlined/Nonsealed Non Protective
|
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