Model and algorithm for optimization of rescue center location of emergent catastrophe

Abstract

The location of rescue centers is a key problem in optimal resource allocation and logistics in emergency response. We propose a mathematical model for rescue center location with the considerations of emergency occurrence probability, catastrophe diffusion function and rescue function. Because the catastrophe diffusion and rescue functions are both nonlinear and time-variable, it cannot be solved by common mathematical programming methods. We develop a heuristic embedded genetic algorithm for the special model solution. The computation based on a large number of examples with practical data has shown us satisfactory results.

Keywords

emergent event, emergency response, location optimization, genetic algorithm, heuristic algorithm.