What term describes the weight of the soil above the burial containers and the force against the sides?

The term that describes the weight of the soil above the burial containers and the force against the sides is known as static load. This concept refers to the weight and force that are constant and not subject to change over time, such as the weight of the soil resting on the burial containers after interment.

In the context of burial practices, static loads are significant because they must be considered in the design and construction of burial containers to ensure their structural integrity under the weight of the earth above them. Understanding static load is crucial for ensuring that concrete vaults and caskets can withstand the pressure exerted by the surrounding soil without compromising their strength and stability.

The other terms represent different types of loads: dead load pertains to the weight of the structure itself that does not change over time, dynamic load involves forces that vary with time, typically due to movement or vibration, and live load includes temporary, movable weights that can change based on circumstances. These distinctions highlight the unique characteristics of static load that apply to the conditions surrounding burial containers.