A study on the optimization method for panel layout problem in drywall

This study is aimed at developing methods to optimize the material yield of drywall panels. In this paper, the authors describe the drywall panel layout optimization method which consists of the following three steps: first, to generate possible alternative patterns of drywall panel layout in a wall; second, for each alternative pattern, to find out the best combination of panel parts to be cut from a panel of standard size; third, to solve the cutting length of panels, the waste volume of panels and the length of panel joints in each layout pattern. The authors applied this method to minimize the cost of drywall using plaster board (1820×910mm). The method generates possible patterns of drywall panel layout in the wall and acquires the best combination of panels to be cut from a standardsize panel, then estimates the cost of drywall works in each pattern.