Fred K. Boadu | Scholars@Duke

Fred K. Boadu
Associate Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering

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 Research Interests

How the engineering, environmental and petrophysical properties of porous media (soils, fractured rock, biological tissues) affect measurable geophysical responses, and subsequently develop methodologies by which these properties can be obtained from non-invasive geophysical measurements.

Current Appointments & Affiliations

Associate Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering 2001
Associate Research Professor of Global Health, Duke Global Health Institute, University Institutes and Centers 2019
Faculty Network Member of The Energy Initiative, Duke University Energy Initiative, Initiatives 2012

Contact Information

163 Hudson Hall, Box 90287, Durham, NC 27708
Box 90287, Durham, NC 27708-0287
boadu@duke.edu (919) 660-5432
http://applied-geophysics.cee.duke.edu

Background
Education, Training, & Certifications
- Ph.D., Georgia Institute of Technology 1994
Duke Appointment History
- Affiliate, Duke Global Health Institute, Duke Global Health Institute, University Institutes and Centers 2015 - 2019
- Assistant Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering 1994 - 2001
Recognition
In the News
- MAY 8, 2017 Bass Connections
  
  Auto Mechanics Keep Vehicles on the Road in Ghana, But Are They Putting Themselves at Risk?
- NOV 20, 2015
  
  Fred Boadu Returns to Ghana to Fill Research Gaps
- OCT 31, 2014
  
  Boadu Named Carnegie African Diaspora Fellow
Awards & Honors
- Junior Faculty Enhancement Award-Applied Science Category. Oak Ridge Associated Universities. 1997
Expertise
Global Scholarship
- Expertise
  - Ghana (Country)
- Research
  - Ghana (Country)
Research
Selected Grants
- In Search of Clean and Sustainable Water for Poor Rural Communities in Ghana Engaging Academic Institutions in Science and Technology awarded by Josiah Charles Trent Memorial Foundation 2010 - 2011
- Ground Truthing of Electromagnetic Signals from Earthquakes from Simultaneous 3 KM Deep Borehole and Surface Measurements at the San Andreas Fault Observatory at Depth awarded by National Aeronautics and Space Administration 2008 - 2010
- Petrophysical Characterization of Saturated and Unsaturated Soils Using Electrical Geophysical Method: Artificial Neural Network Approach awarded by National Science Foundation 2003 - 2009
- Desiccation Cracks and Their Effect on Permeability in Clays awarded by National Science Foundation 2003 - 2008
- Imaging Subsurface Hydraulic Properties from Spectral Electrical Tomographic Images: Artificial Neural Network Approach awarded by National Science Foundation 2002 - 2006
- A Non-invasive Investigation of the Structural Changes in Contaminated Soils Over Time awarded by National Science Foundation 1999 - 2004
- Non-Invasive Characterization awarded by Lord Foundation of North Carolina 2000 - 2003
- Assessment of Groundwater Vulnerability to Pesticides Contamination in Farmlands Within Nsawam District, Ghana: An Integrated Approach awarded by National Science Foundation 2001 - 2002
- Request for Supplemental Funds to Purchase an Equipment for Studying Elastic Wave Propagation in Unconsolidated Materials awarded by Lord Foundation of North Carolina 1999 - 2002
- A Non-Invasive Investigation of the Structural Changes in Contaminated Soils over Time awarded by National Science Foundation 1999 - 2001
Publications & Artistic Works
Selected Publications
- Academic Articles
  - Boadu, F. K. “A support vector regression approach to predict geotechnical properties of soils from electrical spectra based on Jonscher parameterization.” Geophysics 85, no. 3 (May 1, 2020): EN39–48. https://doi.org/10.1190/geo2019-0256.1.
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  - Pratson, L. F., A. Stroujkova, D. Herrick, F. Boadu, and P. Malin. “Predicting seismic velocity and other rock properties from clay content only.” Geophysics 68, no. 6 (January 1, 2020): 1847–56. https://doi.org/10.1190/1.1635037.
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  - Boadu, F. K., and S. Ampadu. “Assessing Relations between Electrical and Geotechnical Properties of Sand-Clay Mixtures Using Jonscher Fractal Power Law Model.” Journal of Environmental and Engineering Geophysics 24, no. 1 (March 1, 2019): 77–85. https://doi.org/10.2113/JEEG24.1.77.
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  - Ampadu, S. I. K., F. F. J. Ayeh, and F. Boadu. “Deriving SPT N-Values from DCP Test Results: The Case of Foundation Design in a Tropical Environment.” Geotechnical and Geological Engineering 36, no. 4 (August 1, 2018): 2517–31. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10706-018-0480-4.
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  - Boadu, F. K. “Regression Models to Estimate Critical Porosity of Soils from Basic Soil Properties Based on Percolation Theory.” Geotechnical and Geological Engineering 36, no. 2 (April 1, 2018): 1207–16. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10706-017-0387-5.
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  - Ampadu, S. I. K., P. Ackah, F. O. Nimo, and F. Boadu. “A laboratory study of horizontal confinement effect on the dynamic cone penetration index of a lateritic soil.” Transportation Geotechnics 10 (March 1, 2017): 47–61. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trgeo.2016.12.002.
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  - Momayez, M., F. Boadu, N. Cassidy, and D. Jongmans. “Introduction to the JEEG-NSG geotechnical assessment and geo-environmental engineering geophysics special issue.” Journal of Environmental and Engineering Geophysics 18, no. 4 (December 1, 2013): 201–3. https://doi.org/10.2113/JEEG18.4.201.
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  - Boadu, F. K., F. Owusu-Nimo, F. Achampong, and S. I. K. Ampadu. “Artificial neural network and statistical models for predicting the basic geotechnical properties of soils from electrical measurements.” Near Surface Geophysics 11, no. 6 (January 1, 2013): 599–612. https://doi.org/10.3997/1873-0604.2013011.
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  - Momayez, M., F. Boadu, N. Cassidy, and D. Jongmans. “Introduction to the JEEG - NSG geotechnical assessment and geo-environmental engineering geophysics special issue.” Near Surface Geophysics 11, no. 6 (January 1, 2013): 589–90. https://doi.org/10.3997/1873-0604.2013049.
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  - Boadu, F. K., and F. Owusu-Nimo. “Exploring the linkages between geotechnical properties and electrical responses of sand-clay mixtures under varying effective stress levels.” Journal of Environmental and Engineering Geophysics 16, no. 2 (June 1, 2011): 73–83. https://doi.org/10.2113/JEEG16.2.73.
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  - Boadu, F. K. “Predicting the engineering and transport properties of soils using fractal equivalent circuit model: Laboratory experiments.” Geophysics 76, no. 5 (January 1, 2011). https://doi.org/10.1190/geo2010-0299.1.
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  - Boadu, F. K., and F. Owusu-Nimo. “Influence of petrophysical and geotechnical engineering properties on the electrical response of unconsolidated earth materials.” Geophysics 75, no. 3 (January 1, 2010). https://doi.org/10.1190/1.3374465.
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  - Boadu, F. K., J. Gyamfi, and E. Owusu. “Reply to the discussion.” Geophysics 74, no. 3 (January 1, 2009). https://doi.org/10.1190/1.3109662.
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  - Boadu, F. K., F. Owusu-Nimo, and A. Menyeh. “Exploring the linkages between geotechnical properties and geophysical responses of unconsolidated materials - Laboratory measurements.” Environmental and Engineering Geophysical Society 21st Symposium on the Application of Geophysics to Engineering and Environmental Problems 2008 1 (December 1, 2008): 25–35.
  - Owusu-Nimo, F., F. K. Boadu, and A. Menyeh. “Geotechnical parameters from integrated geophysical methods: Laboratory measurements and regression models.” Environmental and Engineering Geophysical Society 21st Symposium on the Application of Geophysics to Engineering and Environmental Problems 2008 1 (December 1, 2008): 204–14.
  - Skokan, C., and F. Boadu. “Humanitarian geophysics.” Environmental and Engineering Geophysical Society 21st Symposium on the Application of Geophysics to Engineering and Environmental Problems 2008 1 (December 1, 2008): 20–24.
  - Boadu, F. K., F. Owusu-Nimo, and A. Menyeh. “Nitrate contamination in groundwater at farmlands in Nsawam, Ghana: The role of fractures from azimuthal resistivity surveys.” Journal of Environmental and Engineering Geophysics 13, no. 1 (March 1, 2008): 27–32. https://doi.org/10.2113/JEEG13.1.27.
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  - Boadu, F. K., and B. C. Seabrook. “Effects of clay content and salinity on the spectral electrical response of soils.” Journal of Environmental and Engineering Geophysics 11, no. 3 (September 1, 2006): 161–70. https://doi.org/10.2113/JEEG11.3.161.
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  - Boadu, F. K., J. Gyamfi, and E. Owusu. “Determining subsurface fracture characteristics from azimuthal resistivity surveys: A case study at Nsawam, Ghana.” Geophysics 70, no. 5 (January 1, 2005). https://doi.org/10.1190/1.2073888.
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  - Boadu, F. K. “Use of multifractal seismic waveform parameters to characterize the hydraulic properties of fractured media: Numerical experiments.” Geophysical Journal International 155, no. 2 (November 1, 2003): 557–66. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-246X.2003.02066.x.
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  - Brian, Seabrook, Seabrook Boadu, and F. K. “Relating Electrical Response and Petrophysical Properites of Sands Subjected to Stress Changes.” Journal of Environmental and Engineering Geophysics 7 (2002): 88–100.
  - Boadu, F. K. “Chapter 11 Permeability estimation with an RBF network and Levenberg-Marquardt learning.” Handbook of Geophysical Exploration: Seismic Exploration 30 (December 1, 2001): 171–86. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0950-1401(01)80025-2.
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  - Boadu, F. K. “Predicting oil saturation from velocities using petrophysical models and artificial neural networks.” Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering 30, no. 3–4 (September 1, 2001): 143–54. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0920-4105(01)00110-3.
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  - Boadu, F. K. “Petrophysical Parameters Affecting NMR Relaxation Time and Cementation Factor: Artificial Neural Network Analysis.” J. of Engineering. & Environmental. Geophysics, 2001.
  - Boadu, F. K. “Using Artificial Neural Networks to Predict Oil Saturation from Velocities Based on Petrophysical Models.” Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering 30 (2001): 143–54.
  - Boadu, F. K. “Hydraulic conductivity of soils from grain-size distribution: New models.” Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering 126, no. 8 (August 1, 2000): 739–46. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)1090-0241(2000)126:8(739).
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  - Boadu, F. K. “Predicting the transport properties of fractured rocks from seismic information: Numerical experiments.” Journal of Applied Geophysics 44, no. 2–3 (May 1, 2000): 103–13. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0926-9851(99)00020-8.
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  - Boadu, F. K. “Wave propagation in fluid-saturated media: Waveform and spectral analysis.” Geophysical Journal International 141, no. 1 (April 1, 2000): 227–40. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-246X.2000.00073.x.
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  - Boadu, F. K. “Neural inversion for oil saturation from seismic velocities.” Seg Technical Program Expanded Abstracts 19, no. 1 (January 1, 2000): 1417–21. https://doi.org/10.1190/1.1815668.
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  - Boadu, F. K., and B. Seabrook. “Estimating Hydraulic Conductivity and Porosity of Soils from Spectral Electrical Response Measurements.” J. of Engineering. & Environmental. Geophysics 5, no. 4 (2000): 1–9.
  - Boadu, F. K. “Inversion of fracture density from field seismic velocities using artificial neural networks.” Geophysics 63, no. 2 (January 1, 1998): 534–45. https://doi.org/10.1190/1.1444354.
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  - Boadu, F. K. “Rock properties and seismic attenuation: Neural network analysis.” Pure and Applied Geophysics 149, no. 3 (January 1, 1997): 507–24. https://doi.org/10.1007/s000240050038.
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  - Boadu, F. K. “Fractured rock mass characterization parameters and seismic properties: Analytical studies.” Journal of Applied Geophysics 37, no. 1 (January 1, 1997): 1–19. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0926-9851(97)00008-6.
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  - Boadu, F. K. “Relating the hydraulic properties of a fractured rock mass to seismic attributes: Theory and numerical experiments.” International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences 34, no. 6 (January 1, 1997): 885–95. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1365-1609(97)80002-0.
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  - Boadu, F. K., and L. T. Long. “Effects of fractures on seismic-wave velocity and attenuation.” Geophysical Journal International 127, no. 1 (January 1, 1996): 86–110. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-246X.1996.tb01537.x.
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  - Debrah, S. K., D. Sanogo, and F. O. Boadu. “On-Farm Experiments with Sorghum to Assess the Acceptability of New Varieties and Herbicide Treatments.” Electroanalysis 82, no. 2 (1996).
  - Boadu, F. K., and L. T. Long. “Statistical distribution of natural fractures and the possible physical generating mechanism.” Pure and Applied Geophysics Pageoph 142, no. 2 (June 1, 1994): 273–93. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00879304.
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  - Boadu Fred, O. “Policy on private water sales in rural Ghana.” Journal of Water Resources Planning and Management 120, no. 6 (1994): 944–61.
  - Boadu, F. K., and L. T. Long. “The fractal character of fracture spacing and RQD.” International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences And 31, no. 2 (January 1, 1994): 127–34. https://doi.org/10.1016/0148-9062(94)92802-9.
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  - Boadu Fred, O. “Law and natural-resource development. Case of water in Lesotho.” Journal of Water Resources Planning and Management 117, no. 6 (1991): 698–710.
- Conference Papers
  - Boadu, F., and F. Owusu-Nimo. “On the use of a fractal equivalent circuit model to predict the geotechnical properties of soils.” In Society of Exploration Geophysicists International Exposition and 80th Annual Meeting 2010, Seg 2010, 1944–49, 2010. https://doi.org/10.1190/1.3513224.
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  - Boadu, F. K. “Neural inversion for oil saturation from seismic velocities.” In 2000 Seg Annual Meeting, 2000.
Teaching & Mentoring
Recent Courses
Scholarly, Clinical, & Service Activities
Outreach & Engaged Scholarship
- Bass Connections Team Leader. Health and Well-being Associated with Small-scale Gold Mining in Amansie West District, Ghana. 2019 - 2020 2019 - 2020
- Bass Connections Faculty Team Member. Human Health Risks, Environmental and Ecosystem Damage Associated with Contamination of Used Motor Oil at Auto-mechanic Villages in Ghana. August 2016 - May 2017 2016 - 2017
Service to the Profession

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Education, Training, & Certifications

Duke Appointment History

In the News

Awards & Honors

Global Scholarship

Expertise

Research

Selected Grants

Selected Publications

Academic Articles

Conference Papers

Recent Courses

Outreach & Engaged Scholarship

Service to the Profession