DRAINAGE DESIGN CASE STUDY:

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) selected JET Filter System to install 32 maintainable weep hole drains as part of a major bridge rehabilitation project on US-127 over the Bad River in Gratiot County, Michigan. This installation improved long-term drainage efficiency and protected the integrity of concrete barriers and box culverts.

Bridge structures, especially those involving box culverts and concrete barriers, are vulnerable to hydrostatic pressure buildup and soil erosion when drainage is inadequate. The US-127 bridge over the Bad River faced such issues that could lead to cracking, water pooling, and structural degradation over time.

To address these risks, this Michigan DOT drainage project required the installation of weep hole assemblies  to not only enhance drainage performance but also extend drainage functionality through newly proposed reinforced concrete barriers.

JET Filter System provided a proven drainage solution using 32 units of the JF4SS weep hole stainless steel drainage system, which features:

✅ 4-inch diameter ASTM 316/316L stainless steel open-end housing
✅ Mirafi® Filter-Weave FW 300 geotextile filter media for advanced soil filtration
✅ Maintainable, corrosion-resistant design for long-term performance

These maintainable weep hole drains were installed at strategic points throughout the bridge structure to mitigate hydrostatic pressure, enhance water flow, and reduce soil migration—extending the bridge’s lifespan and decreasing the risk of costly future repairs.

The US-127 bridge project solution was carried out by Anlaan Corporation, a trusted infrastructure contractor, under the engineering supervision of MDOT Bay Region.

Concrete structures are especially susceptible to water damage over time when proper drainage is not incorporated. These systems:

✔️ Relieve pressure buildup behind barriers
✔️ Prevent soil saturation and shifting
✔️ Reduce long-term maintenance costs
✔️ Support long-lasting, stable infrastructure

JET Filter’s maintainable weep hole systems are designed to meet DOT standards while offering easy inspection and maintenance access.