Abstract
In this study, a new concept in a paddy consolidation project is introduced in that curved parallel terracing with contour-lined layout is adopted in sloping areas instead of conventional rectangular terracing. The contoured layout reduces earth-moving considerably compared to rectangular methods in consolidation projects. The objective of the paper is to develop a combinatorial optimization model using the network theory for the design of contour-lined plots which minimizes the volume of earth moving. The results showed that as the length of short side of plot is longer or the land slope is steeper, the volume of earth moving for land leveling increases. The developed optimization model is applied for three consolidated districts and the resulting optimal earth moving is compared with the volume of earth from the conventional method. The shorter is the minimum length of short side of a polt with increases the number of plots, the less is the volume of earth. As the minimum length of short side is 20 m for efficient field works by farm machinery, the volume of earth moving of optimal plot is less by 21.0∼27.1 % than that of the conventional consolidated plots.
