Burial vault

A method of assembling a burial vault system, comprising:

• providing a burial vault, comprising:
• a first pair of lateral sides;
• a second pair of lateral sides;
• a base having a length and a width configured to releasably receive the first pair of lateral sides at opposing ends of the length and configured to releasably receive the second pair of lateral sides at opposing ends of the width;
• the second pair of lateral sides each defining an inner surface, the inner surface defining at least one receiving-channel extending partially along respective heights of the lateral sides;
• a cover shaped to cover respective lateral sides and said base during said assembly;
• and
• providing a captive fastener system containing a plurality of fasteners each removably extending between extending flanges of respective pairs of side walls of each lateral side and joining respective lateral sides together, and each respective lateral side to said base;
• assembling respective said base and said respective lateral sides with respective fasteners;
• at least one pair of said lateral sides includes a plurality said receiving-channels;
• providing a plurality of crossbars configured to be received within the respective said plurality of receiving-channels and configured to span a width therebetween and to brace the lateral sides to resist forces applied to an exterior surface of the pair of lateral sides, each crossbar including at least one end cap threadably received on an end of the crossbar such that an overall length of the crossbar is adjustable;
• securing the first pair of lateral sides at opposing ends of the length of the base;
• securing the second pair of lateral sides at opposing ends of the width of the base;
• securing the plurality of crossbars within opposing ones of the plurality of said receiving-channels of the second pair of lateral sides to span a space between the second pair of lateral sides;
• and
• placing said cover over said formed burial vault.