DRAINAGE DESIGN CASE STUDY:

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) undertook a targeted drainage improvement on the M-66 bridge over Quaker Brook River in Barry County, Michigan. This project focused on enhancing the concrete wingwalls and retaining structures using JET Filter System’s maintainable weep hole drains, helping reduce hydrostatic pressure and prevent soil loss.

Wingwalls and retaining structures are particularly vulnerable to hydrostatic pressure, water infiltration, and soil saturation. Without an adequate concrete retaining wall drainage system, trapped water can cause foundation erosion, cracking, or even wall displacement.

At the M-66 over Quaker Brook River site, MDOT identified these risks and initiated a preventative drainage system upgrade. Their goal: to extend the life of the Michigan transportation infrastructure and reduce long-term maintenance costs with an MDOT drainage upgrade using a low-impact, high-performance weep hole drainage system.

Miller LS Bridge Construction, LLC was contracted to perform a weep hole installation for wingwalls composed of six JET Filter JF4SS maintainable weep hole drains .

✅ 6 units of 4” diameter open-end ASTM 316/316L stainless steel housing

✅ Mirafi® Filter-Weave FW 300 geotextile filter media

✅ Placement through reinforced concrete barriers at key drainage points

This design allows for controlled water flow behind the walls, prevents clogging, and ensures long-term maintainability—critical in high-moisture environments like the Quaker Brook River corridor.

Without adequate drainage:

❌ Hydrostatic pressure builds behind concrete walls

❌ Soil migration weakens structural support

❌ Maintenance costs rise due to cracking or shifting

❌ Structural lifespan decreases

Installing JET Filter’s maintainable weep hole drains offers a durable, DOT-approved solution that promotes water relief, erosion control, and structural protection over decades.

Before

After