Bi-objective Model for Optimal Size and Shape of a Rectangular Facility

Abstract

This paper presents a bi-objective model for determining the size and shape of a finite size facility.The objectives are to minimize both the closest and barrier distances. The former represents the accessibility of customers, whereas the latter represents the interference to travelers. The total closest and barrier distances are derived for a rectangular facility in a rectangular city where the distance is measured as the rectilinear distance. The analytical expressions for the total closest and barrier distances demonstrate how the size and shape of the facility affect the distances. The model focuses on the tradeoff between the closest and barrier distances, and the tradeoff curve provides alternatives for the size and shape of the facility.