Charles Birnstiel, a life member of ASCE who advanced the application of movable bridges in academia and as a practitioner in New York City, has died. He was 94.
Birnstiel, P.E., F.ASCE, was active on ASCE technical committees including as chair of the standards committee responsible for ASCE/SEI 19-10, Structural Applications of Steel Cables for Buildings.
Birnstiel was born in Manhattan to German immigrants. At New York University he earned two degrees in civil engineering and a doctorate in structural engineering. Then as a professor at NYU and Polytechnic University, Birnstiel devoted himself to teaching and structural mechanics research.
After 20 years in academia, he transitioned to private practice, leading a multidisciplinary engineering firm specializing in design, inspection, and testing of moveable bridge machinery. In 1997, Birnstiel and his firm merged with Hardesty & Hanover, where he was principal associate and practiced until his retirement.
“He enhanced how we approached bridge design,” said H&H principal Paul Skelton. “His mentorship touched the lives of many within H&H, and his guidance opened new doors of opportunity.”
Birnstiel continued teaching over the years as an adjunct professor at Colombia University, Cooper Union, Manhattan College, and Pratt Institute. He retired in 2014 with occasional work as a consultant and author. In 2017, he received a lifetime achievement award from the NY Bridge Conference and the Bridge Engineering Association. He published engineering books focused on movable bridges and on bridge history in the U.S. and Germany.
Birnstiel was a licensed professional engineer in 13 states and, besides ASCE, was a fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers. was an emeritus member of an American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association committee on bridges and participated for many years in updating AREMA’s Manual for Railway Engineering.
Pride in his German heritage led Birnstiel to help establish the German Institute at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, and with a sister fund a scholarship there.
