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Fred K. Boadu

Associate Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Box 90287, Durham, NC 27708-0287
163 Hudson Hall, Box 90287, Durham, NC 27708

Overview


Fred Boadu received his B.S. (Hons) in geological engineering from the University of Science and Technology, Ghana, a Post-Graduate Diploma in applied geophysics from McGill University, an M.S. in geophysics from the University of Calgary, and his Ph.D. from Georgia Institute of Technology in 1994. He was an Assistant Lecturer at the University of Science and Technology, School of Mines (Tarkwa, Ghana) from 1982 to 1984. Since 1986, he has worked for several oil companies (Chevron, Amoco, and Mobil) during the summer months on a variety of research projects. He is also a consultant for Texaco, Inc. and Ghana National Petroleum Corporation.

Dr. Boadu’s research focuses on the areas of exploration, engineering and environmental geophysics. Current research involves characterizing the transport and storage properties of porous media such as fractured rocks, soils and human tissue. The work involves modeling, laboratory and field experiments. Fractal concepts and neural networks are used to interpret results. Recently, Dr. Boadu has been involved in research regarding nitrate contamination in groundwater, and as well, in education and awareness campaign of the implications in potential health hazards in Ghana

Current Appointments & Affiliations


Associate Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering · 2001 - Present Civil and Environmental Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering
Director of Masters Studies in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering · 2024 - Present Civil and Environmental Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering
Associate Research Professor of Global Health · 2019 - Present Duke Global Health Institute, University Institutes and Centers

In the News


Published November 8, 2022
Oil and Trouble in Ghana: Duke Engage Partnerships Find Solutions
Published May 8, 2017
Auto Mechanics Keep Vehicles on the Road in Ghana, But Are They Putting Themselves at Risk?

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Recent Publications


Potential improvements in montmorillonite-nanoclay-modified Cold-Mix Asphalt

Journal Article Case Studies in Construction Materials · December 1, 2022 Over the years, Cold-Mix Asphalts (CMAs) used principally for pothole patching and partial-depth repairs in Ghana have performed abysmally. Given the convenience, environmental friendliness and low cost associated with CMA production, the use of the materi ... Full text Cite

Construction and Monitoring of the Short-Term Strength Development of a Cement-Stabilized Lateritic Pavement Layer Under Tropical Climatic Conditions

Conference Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering · January 1, 2022 Cement-stabilized lateritic soil is increasingly being adopted as the stiff cement-treated foundation layer in inverted base pavement layers for heavily trafficked roads. However, the mixing of cement and lateritic soil in the field without specialized equ ... Full text Cite

Predicting seismic velocity and other rock properties from clay content only

Journal Article GEOPHYSICS · January 1, 2021 It has been shown that accurate predictions of compressional and shear-wave velocities can be derived from measurements of clay content, porosity, and bulk density. In this paper, we test the efficacy of using a sequence of established petrophysical formul ... Full text Cite
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Recent Grants


In Search of Clean and Sustainable Water for Poor Rural Communities in Ghana Engaging Academic Institutions in Science and Technology

Public ServicePrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Josiah Charles Trent Memorial Foundation · 2010 - 2011

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Education, Training & Certifications


Georgia Institute of Technology · 1994 Ph.D.