This study investigates the predictability of the form and parameters of the distribution of materials handling volume distance values associated with layout problems characterized by static distance functions. Previous research suggests that volume distance distributions associated with line layout problems tend toward normality. This study extends these results to more general cases of layout problems where distances between workcentre locations do not vary with alternative assignments of workcentres to locations. The feasibility of generating estimates of volume distance distribution parameters using random samples of layout alternatives is also investigated. Volume distance parameter estimates are used to define satisfying criteria for heuristic layout algorithms, which are illustrated through a series of quadratic assignment problems with known optimal solutions.