Case Study Details

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. 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.

Products Used

• 6 units of JET Filter – JF4SS: 4″ Diameter Open End Maintainable Weep Hole Filter with ASTM 316/316L Stainless Steel Housing and Mirafi® Filter-Weave FW 300 Geotextile Filter Media.

Solutions

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. 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.

Technical Details