Optimization of Urban Shelter Locations Using Bi-Level Multi-Objective Location-Allocation Model

Recently, global natural disasters have occurred frequently and caused serious damage. As an important urban space resource and public service facility, the reasonable planning and layout optimization of shelters is very important to reduce the disaster loss and improve the sustainable development of cities. Based on the review of location theory and models for shelter site selection, this study constructs a bi-level multi-objective location-allocation model, an accessibility, economy, and efficiency (AEE) model, based on sequential decision logic to maximize the economic sustainability and social utility. The model comprehensively considers factors such as the level of decision-making, the utilization efficiency, and capacity constraints of shelters. The gravity model is introduced to simulate the decision-making behavior of evacuees. A calculation example and its solution prove the high practicability and operability of the AEE model in an actual shelter site selection and construction investment, which can achieve the global optimization of evacuation time and the maximization of the use efficiency of the shelters under the financial constraints. It provides a scientific and effective decision-making method for the multi-objective location optimization problem of shelters.