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Protecting Critical Assets: The r-interdiction Median Problem with Fortification

Scaparra, Maria Paola and Church, Richard L. (2005) Protecting Critical Assets: The r-interdiction Median Problem with Fortification. Working paper. University of Kent Canterbury, Canterbury (KAR id:25492)

Abstract

Many systems contain bottlenecks, critical linkages, and key facilities. Such components, when lost due to a man-made or natural disaster, may imperil a system in performing its intended function. This article focuses on reducing the impact of an intentional strike against a supply system where supply facilities can be fortified in order to prevent such events. It is assumed that fortification resources are limited and must be used in the most efficient manner. In a recent article, Church, Scaparra, and Middleton (2004) introduced the r-interdiction median problem, which can be used to identify the most important facilities in a supply system. In this article, we extend that model to address the option of fortifying such sites against possible interdiction. We present a new integer-linear programming model that optimally allocates fortification resources in order to minimize the impact of interdiction. Computational results are presented in using this model for several hypothetical problems. We also discuss the general properties of fortification and demonstrate that the presence of fortification can impact which system elements are considered critical.

Item Type: Reports and Papers (Working paper)
Additional information: Working Paper Number 79
Subjects: H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General)
Divisions: Divisions > Kent Business School - Division > Department of Analytics, Operations and Systems
Depositing User: Jennifer Knapp
Date Deposited: 08 Sep 2010 14:30 UTC
Last Modified: 19 Sep 2023 15:04 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/25492 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

Scaparra, Maria Paola.

Creator's ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2725-5439
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