A differential evolution algorithm for the multi-row layout problem

Material transportation costs are the invisible expense item that constitutes most of the costs of the enterprises. Material handling costs are minimized with an optimum layout. In the facility layout problem, the layout that will minimize the material handling cost is investigated. Facility layout problems divided into sub-problems as single-row, double-row, multi-row layout etc.. In this study, the multi-row layout problem is discussed. İn the multi-row layut problem is desired to minimize both the material handling cost and the settlement area. A Differential Evolution Algorithm (DEA) has been developed to solve the problem. The success of the proposed algorithm has been tested with test problems which are taken from the literature. At least one dominant solution was obtained for each test problem with DEA. Better solutions have been obtained for the cost of material handling which is critical for businesses. This shows the success of DEA which has not been studied for multi-row layout problems in the literature.