An Improvement-Type Layout Algorithm for Single and Multiple-Floor Facilities

Yavuz A. Bozer, Russell D. Meller and Steven J. Erlebacher
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Yavuz A. Bozer: Department of Industrial and Operations Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-2117
Russell D. Meller: Department of Industrial Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama 36849-5346
Steven J. Erlebacher: John M. Olin School of Business, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri 63130

Management Science, 1994, vol. 40, issue 7, 918-932

Abstract: In this paper we introduce the use of spacefilling curves in facility layout, and we extend a well-known facility layout algorithm () to facilities with multiple floors. Spacefilling curves make it possible to exchange any two departments and to use more powerful exchange routines than two-way or three-way exchanges. We also further enhance CRAFT by controlling department shapes, and (with multiple floors) by allowing "flexible" departmental area requirements. Although the algorithm we present can be used for any single-floor or multi-floor facility layout problem, its primary target is production facilities. A tailored version of the algorithm was successfully tested and used in a large, multi-floor production facility. The algorithm differs significantly from two previous extensions of to multi-floor facilities.

Keywords: facility layout; improvement heuristics; multi-floor facilities; layout algorithms (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 1994
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