Location optimization of mobile cold-formed steel systems to provide humanitarian relief after natural disasters

Abstract

Cold-formed steel mobile factory (CFSMF) is a rapid self-contained system that produces members from rolled steel. The unit essentially provides a mobile framing construction system that can be used for construction of temporary, recyclable structures. These structures can be used for humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and military contingency operations scenarios. CFSMF also provides benefits by reducing reliance on local economies’ resources in natural disaster affected areas and areas that have internally displaced or emigrating persons for various reasons. This project discusses the benefits and potential uses of CFSMF and recommends global locations to base these units. The 10 countries discussed in the case study have the highest need of such systems based on United Nations natural disaster data. The level of diplomatic relations of the 10 countries with theUnited States is gauged by the cumulative economic aid they received from theUnited States Agency for International Development (USAID) over a 10-year period. The recommended locations are determined by an integer programming optimization model. The model solution proposes an allocation method for CFSMF systems. The model can also be used for similar types of aid. The case study in this report uses a small number of countries in order to simplify the mathematical model. It can be scaled up to reflect a larger set of countries, as well as additional types of constraints.