Facilities layout: A knowledge-based approach for converting a dual graph into a block layout

Abstract

Converting a dual graph into a block layout using a computer has been a difficult task. In this paper a new knowledge-based system is presented for the above purpose. The procedure converts the dual of a maximal planar weighted graph developed using graph-theoretic concepts into a block layout using a knowledge-based system. The knowledge base consists of web-grammar rules which select facilities sequentially, determine facility dimensions and achieve automated identification and reduction of empty spaces. The methodology arrives at regular facility shapes while attempting to maximise the preservation of adjacencies specified in the dual graph and minimise the empty spaces. The procedure includes an interactive option to generate alternative solutions and is illustrated using problems containing numerical examples.