A combined bi‐level approach for the spatial design of rack storage area

This paper presents the problem of arrangement of storage racks for non‐uniform load units in a storage area space when considering limitations created by the carrying pillars of a warehouse. Three variants of rack section arrangement within the planning grid of carrying pillars are presented. A mathematical formalism of the arrangement within the X, Y, and Z axes is introduced. An exact model for the warehouse building cost minimization and space consumption minimization has been defined. The model has been enriched with numerical examples. Finally, the bi‐level approach containing both the mathematical model and the coordinating procedure for the problem solution is presented.