DRAINAGE DESIGN CASE STUDY:

Restaurant Retaining Wall Drainage | Raising Cane’s Buford, GA

At the Raising Cane’s location in Buford, Georgia, a drainage enhancement project was completed to improve water management behind a newly constructed reinforced concrete retaining wall. The project involved the installation of JET Filter’s maintainable weep hole assemblies to mitigate hydrostatic pressure and promote long-term structural performance

Restaurant Retaining Wall Drainage | Raising Cane’s Buford, GA

Project Background and Restaurant Retaining Wall Drainage Challenge

As part of the restaurant’s site development, the wall’s location and elevation required proactive drainage to prevent:

  • Pressure buildup behind the wall

  • Water saturation of surrounding landscape soil

  • Long-term erosion or cracking of concrete facing

The design and engineering team implemented a maintainable weep hole drainage system to ensure performance over the life of the retaining wall without requiring full wall excavation.

Restaurant Retaining Wall Drainage Solution - Weep Holes in Concrete Walls

The system was designed and directed in the field by Kimley-Horn & Associates, and installed by Schnabel Foundation Company, using JET Filter’s commercial-grade weep holes.

 

✅ System Specs:

  • Quantity: 7

  • Part#: JF3SS

  • Type: 3” Diameter Open-End ASTM 316/316L Stainless Steel Housing

  • Filter Media: Mirafi® Filter-Weave FW 300 Geotextile

The system allows for water drainage and sediment retention, preventing backfill erosion and reducing the chance of hydrostatic damage behind the wall.

    Why Weep Holes for Commercial Properties Matter

    High-traffic commercial sites with elevation changes, such as restaurants or shopping centers, often require retaining walls to level parking areas or protect foundations. Without drainage:

    • Moisture pressure builds behind the wall

    • Cracks and shifting can occur

    • Property maintenance costs increase

    Maintainable weep holes help prevent these issues, offering long-term access for flushing and inspections.

    At a Glance

    Project Location: 3300 Buford Dr., Buford, GA
    Project Type: Restaurant Retaining Wall Drainage
    Drainage Components: 7 JET Filter JF3SS Maintainable Weep Holes
    Structure Type: Reinforced Concrete
    Owner: Raising Cane’s
    Engineer: Kimley-Horn & Associates
    Contractor: Schnabel Foundation Company
    Completion Date: December 2023
    Market Segment: Landscaping Infrastructure

     

    Installed (7) JET Filter JF3SS Weep Hole Units

    View Retaining Wall Trifold

    Retaining Wall Trifold