Distribution planning of relief commodities considering the features of demand areas: A robust multi-objective approach

Abstract

Logistics planning plays an important role in providing services to disasterstricken areas. In this study, a scenario-based multi-objective model is presented to locate distribution and evacuation centers and distribute relief commodities with appropriate allocation. It aims to serve the earthquake-stricken areas that are classified according to their construction qualities. The objective functions of cost, responsiveness, and demand coverage are considered in the proposed optimization model. Moreover, due to the uncertain nature of a disaster and uncertainty in some parameters of the model, a robust optimization approach is utilized. A revised multi-choice goal programming method is applied to solve the multi-objective model. The proposed model is validated through a case study conducted in the city of Amol. The computational results show the efficiency of the proposed model in a real-world disaster situation.