What is this? Basement Vents?

[Dan L.]

Hi all. All around the perimeter of this (unfinished/abandoned) 5k sq ft commercial building, there are these openings into the basement. The ground is dug out around the building, like a trench, and then these openings are throughout. They look like they are for ventilation of some sort? I am assuming they should have some kind of cap on them? What are they called, just so I can research more?

Below are a couple of pictures to show them. Thanks!

[Anthony McEvoy]

Is the structure in a floodplain or an area that floods often?  In some areas, they allow you to build your first floor above the flood level but then have to allow for water to flow freely under the structure.

The openings should still have grates over them to prevent wildlife from taking up residence underneath.