An ε-accurate model for optimal unequal-area block layout design

This paper proposes a mixed-integer linear programming model for the block layout design problem with unequal areas that satisfies the area requirements with a given accuracy. The basic aspect of the model consists of an e-accurate representation of the underlying nonconvex and hyperbolic area restrictions using cutting planes. The use of such a representation of the area restrictions allow us to solve several challenging test problems to optimality with a guarantee that the final area of each department is within an epsilon% error of the required area. Numerical results indicate that the proposed model seriously challenge other optimization approaches on this important class of hard, fundamental problems. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.