Optimal blocking of two-level factorial designs

Blocking of two-level factorial designs is considered for block sizes 2 and 4 using the method of fractional partial confounding. A-, D- and E-optimal designs are obtained for block size 2 within the class of orthogonal designs for which main effects and two-factor interactions are all orthogonal to each other before allowing for blocking. A-, D- and E-optimal designs are obtained for block size 4 within the class of orthogonal designs with main effects orthogonal to blocks. The designs obtained also have other favourable properties including orthogonal estimation of effects and orthogonality to superblocks. Copyright 2006, Oxford University Press.