JCE_V1_N2_RP4 B. Tripti M. Chandan Journal on Civil Engineering 2249 - 0779 1 2 34 46 Brahmaputra River, XRD, EDX, SEM, Sediment, Particle size, Mineralogy, Radial basis function, Multiple-linear Regression High sediment load is an integral component of the Brahmaputra system and its role, despite being critical in the overall systemic behaviour of the river, is little understood. Due to its sheer amount and the complex behaviour of the sediment transport, its control has remained a challenge. Therefore it is very essential to know the physico-chemical characteristics and sediment load. In this study, an attempt has been made to understand the properties of the sediment with the help of SEM, XRD, EDX, AAS and Particle size distribution analysis and estimation of sediment load with the help of ANN to relate these properties towards. The samples were collected from three locations viz. Neamatighat (Jorhat), Bhomoraguri (Tezpur) and Pandu (Guwahati) in Assam. Mineralogical analysis is based on the bulk sample and clay sized fractions. Si, Al, Fe, Mg, Ca, Na and K were analyzed in AAS for determining chemical composition of the sediments. The main aim is to identify the best technique that could adequately predict sediment load to a desired accuracy. Regression model and ANNs were developed using the toolbox of the MATLAB software and also compared with results of Datafit software models. The R^2 values were ranging from 0.87 to 0.93 and COE values varied from 0.70 to 0.87 for ANNs in case of sediment concentration. Using Datafit software R^2 values for same dataset varied from 0.93 to 1.0 and COE values varied from 0.72 to 0.88 for sediment concentration prediction. March - May 2011 Copyright © 2011 i-manager publications. All rights reserved. i-manager Publications http://www.imanagerpublications.com/Article.aspx?ArticleId=1440