Presenting a New Method for Earthquake Relief Center Location Allocation based on Whale Optimization Algorithm

Abstract

Despite the regulations set for the reinforcement of structures, many buildings in the world are vulnerable to earthquakes. Local governments try to be prepared to cope with this possible crisis through establishing earthquake relief centers. Considering the budget provision for creating n relief centers in a certain region, the main problem is yet in which place these centers should be constructed in order to achieve the highest speed and quality in rescuing after an earthquake. The enormous number of points that need relief, and of the many locations that could be candidates for constructing a relief center have caused this problem to be considered as an NP-Complete problem. In this article, there is a focus on solving the location allocation of the earthquake relief center problem. In order to find a reasonable solution, Whale Optimization Algorithm has been used. Classic Whale functions have been modified for this research dedicatedly. Results of the algorithm implementation and its execution on the map of region 1 of the city of Tehran show that with 9 relief centers, the average distance between each point and the center is roughly equal to 760 meters, showing almost 1.9% optimization compared to the best recent articles.