What is the primary purpose of a burial vault?

• A. To keep the casket dry.
• B. To identify the deceased.
• C. To prevent the grave from collapsing.
• D. To mark the location of the grave.

Answer: (C)

A burial vault is designed to give the grave structural integrity. Placed around the casket, it forms a rigid outer enclosure that distributes soil pressure and reduces ground settlement, helping to prevent the grave from collapsing during burial and as the grave settles over time. Although vaults may also keep moisture out and assist with handling, those are secondary benefits—the primary purpose is to maintain the stability and safety of the gravesite. Identifying the deceased and marking the location are achieved through records and grave markers, not the vault itself.