Network optimization model for food distribution after a natural disaster in Canada

Canada is susceptible to different hazards associated with natural disasters. On one hand, the East Coast is exposed to hurricanes and its effects, and on the other hand, the West Coast is threatned by earthquakes and its chain consequences such as tsunamis. In such circumstances, it is critical to arrange delivery of emergency supplies to affected communities. The purpose of this project is to find a solution to a network-based optimization model that can help decision-makers during the emergency response phase. The model considers different modes of transportation that are used to distribute food to impacted areas. Considering that a linear programming model requires a high computational effort, it is necessary to find a near-optimal solution using an alternative method in order to have results within a reasonable time. This alternative method is the main outcome of this project and combines heuristics and meta-heuristics. TO BE CONT’D

Faculty Supervisor:

Floris Goerlandt;Ronald Pelot

Student:

Partner:

University of Antwerp

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Education

University:

Dalhousie University

Program: