DRAINAGE DESIGN CASE STUDY:

The University of Florida upgraded the drainage infrastructure behind a large concrete gravity retaining wall to improve stormwater flow and reduce hydrostatic pressure. Located on campus as part of a landscape-focused infrastructure project, the gravity wall was retrofitted with 38 JET Filter maintainable weep hole drains to ensure long-term structural performance and protect surrounding landscaping elements.

Concrete gravity walls rely on their mass to resist lateral forces—but trapped water behind the wall can lead to hydrostatic pressure, soil migration, and erosion, especially in landscaped areas that receive irrigation or runoff.

Without a proper drainage system, the wall could eventually show signs of:

• Tilting or deflection

• Cracking and concrete damage

• Costly maintenance or wall reconstruction

In collaboration with Crisdel Group, Inc., the project team installed:

✅3” open-end diameter, ASTM 316/316L Stainless Steel Housing

✅Geotextile Media: Mirafi® Filter-Weave FW 300

✅Designed for long-term use and maintainability

These systems were installed at regular intervals through the concrete wall to relieve trapped water, prevent sediment loss, and protect the wall’s structural and aesthetic integrity within a landscaped environment.

Gravity walls built for landscape applications often experience:

• Constant irrigation

• Rain runoff pooling

• Soil erosion and settlement

• Root intrusion if drainage is poor

JET Filter’s maintainable drainage systems help manage water pressure while preserving both the structural integrity and visual appeal of the project site.