This paper presents a binary tree search algorithm for the three dimensional container loading problem
(3D-CLP). The 3D-CLP is about how to load a subset of a given set of rectangular boxes into a rectangular
container, such that the packing volume is maximized. In this algorithm, all the boxes are grouped into
strips and layers while three constraints, i.e., full support constraint, orientation constraint and guillotine
cutting constraint are satisfied. A binary tree is created where each tree node denotes a container loading
plan. For a non-root each node, the layer set of its left (or right) child is obtained by inserting a directed
layer into its layer set. A directed layer is parallel (or perpendicular) to the left side of the container. Each
leaf node denotes a complete container loading plan. The solution is the layer set whose total volume of
the boxes is the greatest among all tree nodes. The proposed algorithm achieves good results for the
well-known 3D-CLP instances suggested by Bischoff and Ratcliff with reasonable computing time.
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