A discrete location model with fuzzy accessibility measures

This paper presents an application of the set partitioning (set covering with equality constraints) type of integer programming formulation to a discrete location problem with fuzzy accessibility criteria and uses the symmetry of the objectives and the constraints introduced by Bellman and Zadeh.

Abstract

In crisply defined discrete location problems, a number of facilities are to be located at specific points within an area, according to precisely quantified criteria. However in many location problems, especially those associated with social policies, non-crisply defined criteria are used such as, how ‘near’ or ‘accessible’ a facility is, or how ‘important’ certain issues are, etc. In these cases a fuzzy sets approach is more appropriate. This paper presents an application of the set partitioning (set covering with equality constraints) type of integer programming formulation to a discrete location problem with fuzzy accessibility criteria. The solution method suggested uses the symmetry of the objectives and the constraints introduced by Bellman and Zadeh.