FSE 215 Module 3 - Outer Burial Containers

Standard size of an outer burial container

86" in length, 30" in width, and 24 ¼" in center height (except for the domed vault, which is 30").

Metal/Ziegler case

A gasket-sealed container that can be inserted into a casket or shipping container.

Air tray

A wooden tray with a cardboard covering.

Effect of lining materials

According to the Doric Vault Company website, 'linings...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.'

Burial vaults

All burial vaults are considered outer burial containers, but not all outer burial containers are considered burial vaults.

Metals for manufacturing burial vaults

Aluminum, steel, stainless steel and copper.

Transfer container

An enclosure to protect the casket during transport.

Grave liner

An outer container of concrete, wood, or plastic that offers weight bearing qualities for the earth above, but is without sealing qualities.

Grave box

An outer enclosure consisting of a body and one or two-piece lid.

Dome or diving bell principle

As the domed top of the vault is lowered into place, it traps air within the vault. The trapped air does not allow water to enter the vault.

Materials for outer burial containers

Concrete, metal, wood, polymers and fiberglass.

Sectional box

Consists of slabs of unfinished concrete placed around the casket, with the bottom piece placed in the ground first.

Double sealing of protective outer burial containers

Double sealing uses the air seal "in conjunction with an epoxy material at the junction of the dome and the base." (usually plastic)

End Sealing of protective outer burial containers

End sealing, though common in years past, is rarely seen today. The top, bottom, sides and one end of the vault are molded as one piece. The casket slides into the vault through the open end, which is then bolted into place. (picture a big metal mailbox- same principle)

"All burial vaults are considered outer burial containers, but not all outer burial containers are considered burial vaults." Explain this statement-

Grave boxes and grave liners are not burial vaults in that, though they do enclose the casket and offer support for the earth load, they do not have "sealing qualities." For example, a grave liner lists wood among its possible construction materials. Wood is sufficiently porous to allow for seepage, as well as being eventually (and quickly)biodegradable.

Grave boxes and grave liners

Grave boxes and grave liners are not burial vaults in that, though they do enclose the casket and offer support for the earth load, they do not have 'sealing qualities.'

Examples of non-reinforced concrete outer burial containers

Grave liners and sectionals.

Depth of most graves

In most areas the top of the outer enclosure should lie 18-24 inches below the surface of the ground.

Outer burial container

Klicker defines it as 'any container which is designed for placement in the grave around the casket, including, but not limited to, containers commonly known as burial vaults, grave boxes, and grave liners.'

Alternative Container

Made of cardboard, pressed-wood, composition material or pouches of canvas or other material.

Dimensions of outer burial containers

Mainly acquired by measuring the inside of the container.

Methods of closure for protective outer burial containers

Methods may include air sealing, top sealing, end sealing, and double sealing.

Weights of outer burial containers

Plastic: 165 lbs; Concrete: up to 3000 lbs; Metal: 400-800 lbs.

Lining materials for concrete outer burial containers

Polystyrene, ABS material, stainless steel, copper, bronze, and asphalt.

Air seal burial vault

Prevents the entrance of water into the vault by creating pressure from the air inside, similar to an inverted glass in water.

Top seal burial vault

Prevents the entrance of water into the vault through the use of adhesive and a tongue and groove.

End seal burial vault

Prevents the entrance of water into the vault with a rubber gasket between the container and the end.

Combination case (Combo pack)

Satisfies air shipping regulations and consists of a particle board box with a cardboard tray.

Earth load above burial vault

The earth load measures approximately 4000 pounds.

Legal grave depth

The grave itself will be legal if the receptacle is at least 18 inches below the surface of the soil (North Carolina law).

Original intent of burial vaults

To inhibit the access of 'grave robbers.'

Top sealing

Top sealing employs an adhesive that is fed into a groove along the top of the vault's base.

Top Sealing of protective outer burial containers

Top sealing employs an adhesive that is fed into a groove along the top of the vault's base. When the top is lowered onto the base, a "tongue" fits into the adhesive-filled groove, providing a seal.