A defender-attacker-defender approach to the optimal fortification of a rail intermodal terminal network

A crucial issue in modern supply chains is to guarantee continuity and efficiency in the event of natural and man-made threats. This task is challenging, especially given the finite resources and the complexity of the transportation infrastructure. We make use of a defender-attacker-defender framework to determine the optimal strategy for fortifying a given number of rail-truck intermodal terminals, such that the losses (or inefficiencies) resulting from an intentional attack is minimized. The proposed tri-level optimization model, used to study a realistic size case study from published literature, is solved using three distinct solution techniques. Finally, we present some managerial insights and directions of future research. © 2014, Springer Science+Business Media New York.