What is the purpose of using burial vaults?

The primary purpose of using burial vaults is to protect the casket and provide structural integrity for the burial site. Burial vaults serve as a rigid container, typically made of materials like concrete or steel, that encases the casket. This serves several critical functions: it prevents the ground from settling over time, which can occur as the casket naturally decomposes, and it helps maintain the integrity of the burial site by preventing soil erosion and collapsing of the grave.

Additionally, burial vaults protect the casket from external pressures, such as those caused by heavy machinery used in the cemetery, natural forces like flooding, or the weight of the soil above. This is especially important in maintaining the respectful condition of the grave for the deceased and the grieving family. The structural support offered by a burial vault ensures that the resting place remains undisturbed and dignified for years to come.

In contrast, while it may seem cost-effective or aesthetically pleasing to consider alternatives like minimizing burial vaults, those factors do not fulfill the core functional purpose that burial vaults provide in terms of protection and structural stability.