Bi-objective Optimization Model for Determining Shelter Location-allocation in Humanitarian Relief Logistics

Abstract

Shelter location-allocation is very important since it affects victims’ security and the performance of the relief supply chain. This paper proposes a bi-objective optimization model for justifying locations of shelters and allocating appropriate shelters to all affected areas efficiently and effectively. The first objective seeks to minimize the total cost, and the second objective attempts to minimize the average victim evacuation time. The Epsilon Constraint method is employed to deal with the bi-objective function. To avoid the inefficient solutions problem, which is likely generated by the Epsilon Constraint approach, the transformed constraint is augmented by the positive constant value of allowance time. A case study of the flood in Phun Phin, Surat Thani, Thailand is used to demonstrate the application of the proposed model. The results obtained from this study could help decision-makers to determine an effective shelter location-allocation plan as well as, more broadly, to develop a disaster management strategy.