Incorporating multi-criteria suitability evaluation into multi-objective location-allocation optimization comparison for earthquake emergency shelters

The optimized location and allocation of earthquake emergency shelters are critical for improving the resilience of communities. However, the existing disaster shelters location-allocation optimization models usually select new shelters from candidate shelters neglecting the existing or planned shelters. The research into comparisons before and after location-allocation optimization between the current planning scenario (CLA scenario) and the supplementary new candidate shelter scenario (SLA scenario) is thus imperative for disaster risk reduction. This article develops a multi-criteria multi-objective multi-scenario supplemental location-allocation optimization model that addresses the concerns related to optimization comparison based on the above two scenarios and provides a higher degree of realism by integrating multi-criteria evaluation and optimization comparison into location-allocation problems. The solutions obtained under the two scenarios are then compared with a case study in Huairou Science City. The results show that the solution under the SLA scenario is superior to the corresponding CLA scenario regardless of the minimal-distance scheme or the minimal-area scheme. The proposed model is proven to be useful for the location-allocation optimization of earthquake emergency shelters, and the presented results can be used as a reference for balancing the interests of the government and residents during the reconstruction and expansion projects of shelters.