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August 25, 2023
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December 11, 2023
Photo by Klas Tauberman via Pexels
From monumental bridges that span seemingly endless bodies of water to “spider webs” of city transportation networks, the interconnectedness of design and engineering results in structures that are testaments of human ingenuity.
But more importantly, these projects enhance our daily lives. When city planners, architects and engineers come together, they expertly contribute to the development of our modern world.1
Laying the Groundwork for Innovation
Photo by Pixabay via Pexels
Meticulous planning lays the foundation for work by a civil engineer.2 When collaboration between planners and civil engineers is seamless at the beginning of a project, it can ensure that innovative solutions are used to address even the most intricate engineering challenges.
The collaboration between architects and civil engineers is another crucial symbiotic relationship. While architects bring forth visionary designs that captivate the eye, civil engineers turn those visions into tangible, safe and functional structures.3
Through collaboration and group innovation, projects can be elevated to greater heights, which has been true throughout history. Designers and engineers have worked hand in hand to create some of the world’s most iconic structures. Think of the Eiffel Tower, a marvel of engineering that seamlessly merges intricate design elements with structural integrity.4
Problem-Solving at Its Core
Engineers are inherently problem solvers, wielding their expertise to address a diverse array of challenges. Each branch of engineering focuses on specific problem domains, each contributing to society in unique ways:
- Civil Engineers tackle infrastructure and large structures, including bridges, buildings and highways.1
- Electrical Engineers manage power generation and distribution, overseeing electrical equipment, communications systems and power stations.1
- Mechanical Engineers specialize in systems in motion, working on engines, turbines and robotics.1
- Biomedical Engineers address clinical and healthcare issues, creating medical devices, surgical implants and prosthetics.1
- Aerospace Engineers focus on aircraft and spacecraft, developing aviation and defense systems, as well as rocket and fuel systems.1
- Chemical Engineers work with chemicals and materials, contributing to the creation of plastics, medicines and petrochemicals.1
- Environmental Engineers address pollution and ecological concerns through systems that promote sustainability, waste disposal and pollution control.1
- Software Engineers specialize in computer information systems, affecting various sectors, including aviation, finance and healthcare.5
Designing Our World
Civil engineering, in particular, is one of the most impactful branches of engineering, touching almost every aspect of our daily lives. From the roads we commute on to the water supply systems we drink from, civil engineering shapes our societies.
Photo by Natina
At Natina, our focus on civil engineering projects aligns seamlessly with our commitment to enhancing environments through sustainable and aesthetically pleasing designs.
Our premium concrete, steel and rock color solutions can be applied to a wide range of structures, from bridges to guardrail. We firmly believe in the transformative potential that emerges when all of a project’s stakeholders collaborate on the urban landscapes we call home.
Contact us to start planning your next construction project today!
Photo by Natina
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We used Natina Rock Solution to help visually mitigate some scarring on a small rock bench in the Yosemite National Park. I was very pleased with the results of the solution and found it to be appropriate and beneficial for this type of use.
Brad Lewis
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Natina is the perfect treatment for many landscape projects. When metalwork and concrete are a part of our exterior landscape designs, Natina offers an ideal way to create a natural look for introduced elements. Our office has specified Natina on metal, concrete, and even boulders to achieve the right color for natural landscapes. We’ve used Natina on items that need to function within the urban landscape as barriers and to direct pedestrian movement. The clients also like the low maintenance or need for sealers on the finished product. Natina reps are so helpful in ensuring that the details are addressed for the perfect end result!
Janet Waibel
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Thurston County used Natina’s Reactive Color Treatment on our most recent installation of guardrail along Waddell Creek Road and Gate Road. Natina’s final finish provided an aesthetic shade of brown to blend into the beautiful surrounding environment. This natural look was a must-have along Thurston County’s Bountiful Byway.
Brian Meier
Thurston County Public Works
For our project in the Shoshone National Forest, there is a significant color reaction between the Natina Concrete Solution and the shotcrete wall (along with soil-nailing). In just over 2 weeks, the color treatment progress was extremely successful in mitigating the brighter gray surface. In our opinion, it better blends into the slope than the adjacent monotone single color block retaining wall. Natina Solutions plus material costs and two USFS salary days was very cost-effective and saved us time and money.
Darin Martens
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Natina has a wonderful brown hue spectrum for our concrete project’s desert palette. These solutions help to blend bland gray concrete, which is an eyesore, into our desert landscape for a more natural aesthetic. Being environmentally friendly is another reason Natina Solutions are chosen over other products that are calked full of chemicals, VOC’s, and other environmentally unfriendly ingredients. Natina is inexpensive compared to integral colored concrete, helps us get the perfect color we want every time, and we know it will save the project money.
Rob Loftis
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I have worked with Natina for years on many guardrail projects throughout Colorado. My team and I have recommended their steel color because of its natural finish. Natina’s environmental stain is a wonderful color alternative to blend in with Colorado’s beautiful mountains. Natina is easy to work with and we have enjoyed our long relationship.
Cyndi Adams
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On our recent multi-modal improvement project in Northern Nevada, we wanted to ensure the metal features blended into the surrounding high desert landscape. Natina was an ideal color option to change the shiny metal pedestrian railings and guard rails into a natural, rustic brown. I recommend Natina Steel Solution for projects that need an aesthetic look and color for galvanized metals.
Barb Santner
Stantec
As a guardrail installer, we see miles and miles of guardrail and have worked with various kinds of companies. Gonzales Construction has worked with Natina on many transportation projects over the years. We recommend Natina Steel Solution to other clients over paint, weathering steel and powder coating. We have only had good experiences with them and top-notch customer service. We will continue to use Natina for all of our galvanized surface needs.
Jeremy Gonzales
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Natina was exactly what we needed at the Phoenix Zoo. At our Visayan warty pig habitat, we were looking for a safe product for this species, plus one that would withstand the harsh climate in Arizona, as well as require little upkeep. Natina was approved by our zoo veterinarians for the enclosure and agreed upon by our operations team for the low maintenance factor. The brown finish blended in well for this exhibit and we are happy with the results.
Joe Wilkes
Phoenix Zoo, Arizona Center for Nature Conservation
We have been using Natina for almost 10 years. They have an extraordinary team supporting us with any questions, orders and logistics. The Natina Rock Solution is environmentally-safe and works great on naturalizing and blending the color into its surroundings. The earthy browns created with Natina help us and our clients' projects look beautiful. We look forward to continuing our exceptional relationship with Natina!
Launa Spendlove
Instant Jungle Landscape
We have used Natina Steel Solutions on several of our cell tower sites to help blend them into the surrounding terrain. We are very impressed with the rustic, natural color. Our clients really appreciate the impact Natina has on the project aesthetics. Natina is a great company to work with, has always met all construction deadlines and is very prompt in getting back to us.
Rusty Lewellen
High Desert Communications
