Hybrid set covering and dynamic modular covering location problem: Application to an emergency humanitarian logistics problem

Abstract

This paper presents an extension of the covering location problem as a hybrid covering model that utilizes the set covering and maximal covering location problems. The developed model is a multi-period model that considers strategic and tactical planning decisions. Hybrid covering location problem (HCLP) determines the location of the capacitated facilities by using dynamic set covering location problem as strategic decisions and assigns the constructive units of facilities and allocates the demand points by using dynamic modular capacitated maximal covering location problem as tactical decisions. One of the applications of the proposed model is locating first aid centers in humanitarian logistic services that have been addressed by studying a threat case study in Japan. In addition to validating the developed model, it has been compared to other possible combined problems, and several randomly generated examples have been solved. The results of the case study and model validation tests approve that the main hybrid developed model (HCLP) is capable of providing better coverage percentage compared to conventional covering models and other hybrid variants.