The Q-coverage multiple allocation hub covering problem with mandatory dispersion

This paper addresses the multiple allocation hub set-covering problem considering backup coverage and mandatory dispersion of hubs. In the context of this paper, it has been assumed that a flow is covered if there are at least Q possible routes to satisfy its demand within a time bound. Moreover, there is a lower limit for the distance between hubs in order to provide a degree of dispersion in the solution. Mathematical formulation of this problem is given, which has O(n(2)) variables and constraints. Computational experiments carried out on the well-known CAB dataset give useful insights concerning model behavior and its sensitivity to parameters. (C) 2012 Sharif University of Technology. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.