Genetic algorithm for facility layout problems

Abstract

This paper is concerned with the application of the technique of genetic algorithms to solve the problem of optimal facilities' layout in manufacturing systems design. A mathematical model is developed to examine the machines' layout and the pattern of material flow for the typical job shop and flow shop manufacturing environments. The analysis also considers various practical aspects, such as the constraints of restricted areas and reserved machinery locations, and also the irregularity of the shapes of manufacturing plants, etc. A genetic approach is developed to provide the optimal solution to the facilities' layout problem. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is evaluated with numerical examples. Indeed, the results indicate that the proposed approach provides an effective means to solve problems in facilities' layout.