Design based Constraint Handling for Site Layout Planning

Site layout planning (SLP) constraints are handled heuristically or through a mathematical approach, as presented in the SLP literature. The real-life constraints of SLP are modelled as mathematical equations and are attempted to be handled through optimisation models. It is observed that the existing mathematical SLP models handle a limited number of constraints in comparison to what is handled by practitioners in practice. This study outlines a design-based workflow that enables SLP practitioners to handle SLP constraints and reduces the number of infeasible solutions to SLP problem. Firstly, the constraints of SLP are categorised to form constraints typology, and it is understood that the spatial constraints of SLP have facets that can be modelled and handled through design. A test case is developed to demonstrate the design-based handling of SLP constraints. The spatial constraint handling for SLP is presented through single regular-shaped temporary facility (TF) layout variations. The TF's variations enabled ascertaining the possibility of including TFs of different shapes and sizes. The results indicated a reduction in mathematical solution search space; consequently, the search for the optimal solutions for the SLP problem is expected in a timely manner. The implementation of the developed design-based constraint handling approach for SLP needs to be studied in conjunction with the mathematical models and remains an area for further study.