The application of Max-Min Ant System for layout and size optimization of pipe networks is described in this paper. The formulation conventionally used for pipe size optimization of networks with fixed layout is extended to account for layout and pipe size determination of the networks. This is achieved by including a new constraints regarding the reliability of the network and modifying the av...

Safety and performance are important factors in the design and operation of chemical plants. This paper describes the formulation of a mixed integer nonlinear programming model for the optimization of plant layout with safety considerations. The model considers a quantitative risk analysis to take safety into account, and a bowtie analysis is used to identify possible catastrophic outcomes. The...

This paper presents an overview of recent advances on modeling and layout optimization of devices and interconnects for high-performance VLSI circuit design under the deep submicron technology. First, we review a number of interconnect and driver/gate delay models, which are most useful to guide the layout optimization. Then, we summarize the available performance optimization techniques for VL...

Teaching quantitative courses can be challenging. Similarly, layout modeling and lean production concepts can be difficult to grasp in an introductory OM (operations management) class. This article describes a simulation model developed in PROMODEL to facilitate the learning of layout modeling and lean manufacturing. Simulation allows for the evaluation of layout alternatives and the testing of...

With the fast development and utilization of underground space resource in cities, the spatial distribution of urban underground pipelines becomes more and more complex. How to efficiently utilize the latest technology, realize underground space resources' management, visualization, layout optimization and mine applications, are challenging issues in current digital city development. Taking int...

Discontinuity layout optimization (DLO) is a relatively new upper bound limit analysis method. Compared to classic topology methods, aimed at obtaining the optimum design of structure by considering its self-weight, building cost, or bearing capacity, DLO optimizes failure pattern under specific loading conditions and constraints minimizing dissipation energy. In this work, we present modified ...

This paper presents a novel approach to the facility layout design problem based on multi-agent society where agents’ interactions form the facility layout design. Each agent corresponds to a facility with inherent characteristics, emotions, and a certain amount of money, forming its utility function. An agent’s money is adjusted during the learning period by a manager agent while each agent tr...