Multi-objective optimization of temporary housing for the 1994 Northridge earthquake

Earthquakes and tsunamis often cause significant damages in civil infrastructure systems and housing units, leading to large-scale displacement of families. These displaced families need temporary housing arrangements, such as travel trailers and leased hotels, until permanent housing solutions are available. This article presents a multi-objective optimization model to support decision-makers in identifying optimal temporary housing arrangements for displaced families after natural disasters. The model is developed using weighted linear programming and is capable of optimizing four possibly conflicting objectives, namely: (1) minimizing negative socioeconomic impacts on displaced families; (2) maximizing safety of displaced families; (3) minimizing adverse environmental impacts; and (4) minimizing total public expenditures. The model was used to analyze and optimize a case study of temporary housing arrangements after the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. The analysis of this case study illustrates the potential use of the model by emergency management agencies and demonstrates its capabilities in optimizing temporary housing arrangements after earthquakes and other natural disasters.