Relief Logistics Network Design for Facility Location and Flow Allocation under Environmental Considerations

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Innovation and Technology, GSP Section, University of Southern, Denmark.

2 Department of Industrial Management, Alborz Campus, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.

10.22059/imj.2026.409518.1008281

Abstract

Objective: This paper develops a single-objective and a bi-objective mixed-integer linear programming model to optimize the post-earthquake relief logistics network involving transfer points, hospitals, and relief centers in Tehran, Iran. The primary aim is to minimize the total time required to transfer injured individuals through the system, while the bi-objective model additionally minimizes penalties for failing to transfer casualties due to capacity shortages. 
Methodology: The methodology involves formulating location-allocation models in which demand points, transfer points, hospitals, and relief centers are represented by specific capacity and travel-time parameters. The models are applied to two earthquake scenarios in south-central Tehran: a magnitude-6 event with lower casualties and selective facility activation, and a magnitude-7 event requiring full capacity utilization and a 30% assumed increase in hospital capacity.
Results: The model’s effectiveness in optimizing the relief network is demonstrated. For the magnitude-6 scenario, the model selects 10 transfer points, 15 hospitals, and 25 relief centers to minimize total transfer time. For the magnitude-7 scenario, utilizing all available facilities, the model optimally allocates casualties despite severe capacity constraints.
Conclusion: The proposed models offer a practical decision-support tool for designing efficient humanitarian supply chains in earthquake-prone urban areas. They underscore the necessity of pre-disaster planning, including establishing transfer points with triage and outpatient capabilities, increasing hospital surge capacity, and ensuring public awareness to direct casualties to designated transfer points.

Keywords

References

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Industrial Management Journal
Volume 18, Issue 1
2026
Pages 162-188

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