An outer enclosure offering protection from the earth load but not from the elements is known as what?

A grave liner is designed specifically to provide protection for a burial site from the weight of the earth above, ensuring that the soil does not collapse into the grave while also allowing for proper drainage. Unlike a burial vault, a grave liner does not offer protection against environmental elements such as water or air; its primary function is to stabilize the grave. This distinction is crucial because it highlights the grave liner's role as a simple, supportive structure rather than a protective enclosure.

In contrast, a burial vault is constructed to shield against both earth load and environmental factors. A grave box, which might share some similarities with a grave liner, typically implies a more substantial structure that offers additional features. A casket, on the other hand, is meant for housing the deceased and does not serve the same purpose as a grave liner in terms of protecting the burial site itself. Thus, the function and design of a grave liner align perfectly with the definition provided in the question.