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Foundation Information /  Soils and Foundations

Soils and Foundations

Soil: The Other Half of the Foundation: An article from Fine Home Building on how foundations are affected by soils.


Fairfax County Virginia

Fairfax County Virginia has experienced problems with a type of clay (called Marine Clay) that can behave similar to the soils in parts of Amherst. The section on HOMEOWNER PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE is of particular interest.


United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)

Technical Manual TM 5-818-7 Foundations in Expansive Soils


This manual presents guidance and information for the geotechnical investigation necessary for the selection and design of foundations for heavy and light military-type buildings constructed in expansive clay soil areas. The information in this manual is generally applicable to many types of structures such as residences, warehouses, and multistory buildings. Emphasis is given to the maintenance of an environment that encourages constant moisture conditions in the foundation soils during and following construction.

About Amherst

The Town of Amherst was established in 1818 and celebrated its 200th Anniversary in 2018. The town has a geographical area of 53.6 square miles and a population of greater than 122,000.

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Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

The Town of Amherst ADA Coordinators are Robert McCarthy (Director of Human Resources) and Mark Berke (Commissioner of Buildings).

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The Town of Amherst takes great pride in providing useful, timely and accurate information through its official website. We encourage public participation in our website and ask that you provide your feedback to help us make our site even better. Contact the website administrator at toawebsite@amherst.ny.us.

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  • General Information:
    (716) 631-7000
  • Email:
    toainfo@amherst.ny.us
  • Address:
    Municipal Building (Town Hall)
  • 5583 Main Street
  • Williamsville, NY 14221


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