An evolutionary algorithm for the unequal area facility layout problem

A genetic algorithm (GA) for designing plant layouts in industries with unequal area facilities taking into consideration material handling costs, logical relations between spaces and the shape of each area is presented. The GA utilizes a new encoding representation for these problems. Specific software has been developed to allow users to introduce data and graphically represent proposed solutions in a simple and user-friendly manner. The algorithm has been tested and the obtained results have been compared with those reported in the bibliography.