Personal Biography
Mr. Kappel was born in New Braunfels, Texas, received a Bachelor
of Science Degree in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M
University in 1959. He was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in
the US Army on Graduation, served 2-years active duty US Army,
completed Officers Basic Training and Airborne training and was
stationed in South Korea 1960-61, retired Captain from US Army
Reserves with and honorable discharge 1967. Worked for TxDOT
San Antonio District Office as bridge engineer 1959-60, Process
Engineer Mason & Hanger-Silas Mason Company on Atomic
Energy Commission contract 1961-1964, Acme Bridge
Construction Engineer I-10 1964-66, moved to Houston 1966
worked as Chief Structural Engineer A.B. Chance/Universal Pole
Bracket Division1966-69, organized company startup American
Pole Structures, Corp. (APS), where he was VP Engineering and
became President of APS 1970–1988. General Manager of steel
casting company in 1990. 1991 he was General Manager of
Brown & Root Structic Group. He has worked for Ratnala & Bahl,
Inc. as Sr. Project Engineer and Transportation Director 1992 to
present. Mr. Kappel is a Registered Professional Engineer in Texas.
Business Accomplishments
Mr. Kappel has worked as professional engineer and provided
engineering services for Civil, Structural and Construction
Management/Inspection services to Municipal, Government and
Industrial clients for more than 30 years. He has experienced in
application of AutoCAD, MicroStation, STADD III, INFOWorks,
HouStorm, TxDOT-WinStorm, PRESTR 14, Bridge Geometry
System, USACE-HEC-RAS and HEC-HMS. He has demonstrated
expertise in engineering design and steel fabrication management
of tapered, tubular high strength steel structures for support of cross
country high voltage power lines for the electric power industry.
He increased APS sales and manufacturing from $10 Million to
$22 Million / year while doubling company profit. In engineering
consulting Mr. Kappel has designed major street, tollway and
bridge projects for the City of Houston, Harris County, Harris
County Tollroad Authority, North Texas Turnpike Authority and
TxDOT. He has designed steel and Prestressed Concrete Cylinder
Pipe water lines to diameters of 96”, including tunnel design to 14’
diameter and 13.4 MG ground water storage tank for the City of
Houston and Coastal Water Authority. He has designed wastewater
lines to 42” diameter for City of Houston and City of Austin. He
has designed a 43,000 SF Wastewater Laboratory for City of
Houston and site development of 15 Acres for a 200,000 SF Food
Service Facility for Houston Independent School District. Runway
andTaxiway design at George Bush Houston Intercontinental
Airport and Hobby Airport. Mr. Kappel is experienced in
Engineering Design, Construction and Business Management.
Memberships and Community Activities
American Society of Civil Engineers
American Welding Society (Past Member)
The Society of American Military Engineers
Foundation Performance Association
The Woodlands United Methodist Church — Building Committee
Chairman, 3 – Building Programs and Building Committee
Member – 4 Building Programs
