Monte Carlo simulation based procedures for solving block layout problems

The effectiveness of Monte Carlo simulation for mapping materials handling cost distributions and identifying robust solutions for general block layout problems is investigated. Small scale simulations are shown to be effective at approximating materials handling cost distributions obtained from much larger scale simulations across a broad range of problem characteristics including the number of work centres, the distribution of space requirements among work centres, variation in material flow parameters and work centre shapes. The procedure is also found to be effective in identifying block layout solutions that simultaneously meet aspiration levels of materials handling cost performance across multiple material flow scenarios. [Submitted 27 July 2009; Revised 28 October 2009; Accepted 05 November 2009]