IGS is a specialist in situ testing and sampling contractor, recognised both nationally and internationally as 'one of the best.' We are physically based and staffed in Brisbane, Melbourne & Perth. We also operate 'virtual bases' in Sydney, Newcastle, Launceston, Townsville and PNG. IGS is 100% Australian owned, run and staffed. The company started in Brisbane in 2000 under the vision of its founder, Allan McConnell (an experienced geotechnical engineer), to introduce up-to-date in situ testing & direct-push sampling technology to the Australian market, with the clearly-expressed mission of helping clients to 'reduce geotechnical uncertainty.' Including our founder Allan McConnell, who these days is focused on mentoring and training, in a transitioning phase, IGS is managed by three very experienced geotechnical engineers and two long-experienced Project Operators. No-one can claim to better understand our clients in situ testing and sampling needs and to know how to satisfy these.
In our field of work, IGS can do anything (almost). We have 15 different testing/sampling rigs. We can work almost anywhere, on almost any site: land; swamp; tailings dam; or over-water; on ponds, lakes, rivers, estuaries or bays. Any or all of these rigs can undertake the following in situ tests:
Take the following types of direct-push samples:
We also undertake Pressuremeter Testing in combination with our CPT Testing or independently in conjunction with drilled boreholes.
Our business-model is decentralised to the extent possible; we train and mentor Project Operators and their assistants to operate in the field almost autonomously. These specialists coordinate with clients and their clients, implement all of our tests and samples, process data in the field, and work with supervisors directly, thus minimising time-wasting to and fro with “the office”. Training for these roles is a long-term and evolutionary process that includes attendance at relevant national and international conferences.
We are a very mobile organisation: • In Australia, of course we work in the cities, the mines, the countryside and in-between. As well it is IGS-business-as-usual to work as far afield as Olympic Dam, Mt Isa, Weipa, Darwin, Jabiru, Savage River, Robbins Island, MacArthur River, Tasmania, Perth etc. • In PNG we have a 'movable base' ie a fitted-out container storing a rig and all equipment, that is typically kept in either Lae or Port Moresby then transported to sites. We work in remote places in the PNG highlands and around the deltas, and we have worked at Lihir Island. The PNG rig 'Little Meri' is helicopter or light plane transportable. • We have also undertaken projects in The Philippines, Thailand & Solomon Islands, using our 'airplane-transportable' Mighty Mouse rig & Little Jack. Follow the link to see where we have worked
Managing Director mark@insitu.com.auMobile: 0437 824 776 Mark Chapman is an experienced geotechnical engineer with a Master degree in Engineering Science from UNSW. Before IGS, Mark was a Senior Geotechnical Engineer at Wagstaff Piling and spent his life working with geotechnical data, much from IGS.
General Manager mick@insitu.com.auMobile: 0407 467 025 Mick began work with IGS back in 2009, becoming a competent IGS Operator working throughout Australia. He then moved to our lab to set up our cone calibration system. After taking on more responsibilities across all facets of IGS he became IGS’s General Manager. Mick still finds himself on site for inspections and occasionally running our rigs and projects.
Geotechnical Engineer wyn@insitu.com.auMobile: 0417 423 769 Wyn Binmore is a Principal Geotechnical Engineer with over 20 years experience in the industry. He has been an Office Manager and National Operations Team member for one of Australia's largest geotechnical consultancies. Wyn has experience in most fields of geotechnics including, Civil and Defence Infrastructure, Ports and Reclamations, Dams and Tailings, Mine Infrastructure and rock and soil slope stabilisation.
Founder Allan McConnell is a geotechnical engineer, with 50+ years of experience in Australia, SE Asia and the Pacific. He is the founder of IGS. Allan has experience in most aspects of geotechnical engineering. He is known for his past consulting work on major development projects, including many on soft soil sites, and for his 'crusade' to reduce risk and uncertainty in geotechnical engineering. He is a Fellow of Engineers Australia and a Registered Professional Engineer in Queensland.
Office Manager sarah@insitu.com.auMobile: 0438 074 543 Sarah is IGS's Office Manager / WHS Advisor. She has been working for IGS since it’s conception in 2000.
Senior Operator glen@insitu.com.auMobile: 0407 467 010 Glen started with IGS back in 2008. Glen is one of our most experienced IGS Operators, and has operated all of our rigs/equipment/vessels at some stage. He has worked throughout Australia and beyond in PNG, Thailand and Philippines.
Technical Coordinator russell@insitu.com.auMobile: 0407 467 066 Russell has been with IGS since 2010. He is a competent Rig Operator and has experience Australia Wide with all of our rigs/equipment/vessels.
Operator dave@insitu.com.auMobile: 0407 467 049 Dave began employment with IGS in 2014 and has worked with us throughout Australia and in PNG. He has worked on all of our rigs/equipment/vessels and is a competent IGS Operator.
Operator mitch@insitu.com.auMobile: 0455 596 191 Mitch first came to work at IGS in 2014. He is a competent IGS Operator, working on many of our rigs and equipment throughout Australia. He now leads our projects in WA
Operator sean@insitu.com.auMobile: 0407 467 482 Sean came to work at IGS in 2017 and has fast become a reliable Rig Operator. He has worked throughout Australia on most of our rigs/equipment/vessels.
Senior Operator ryan@insitu.com.auMobile: 0407 467 335 Ryan has been with IGS since 2010. He is a competent IGS Operator and has experience throughout Australia with all of our rigs/equipment/vessels.
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