Minisum collection depots location problem with multiple facilities on a network

Abstract

We investigate the problem of locating a set of service facilities that need to service customers on a network. To provide service, a server has to visit both the demand node and one of several collection depots. We employ the criterion of minimizing the weighted sum of round trip distances. We prove that there exists a dominating location set for the problem on a general network. The properties of the solution on a tree and on a cycle are discussed. The problem of locating service facilities and collection depots simultaneously is also studied. To solve the problem on a general network, we suggest a Lagrangian relaxation imbedded branch-and-bound algorithm. Computational results are reported.

Keywords:

• location
• networks
• branch and bound
• Lagrangian relaxation

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by a grant from NSERC.