With large volumes of materials, dedicated warehouses and large shelters are used for storage of the final or intermediate product. The warehouse not only stores the material but protects it from rain and wind keeping it dry and contained. In these storage systems, the material is often deposited into the area with dump trucks or conveyor car systems that drop the material into open areas. Materials can be removed from the warehouse by similar means or through floor level grates and filter systems. It is important to know the total amount of material in inventory.
Materials stored in the warehouse can be very dusty and form uneven surfaces. The surface changes as the material is moved in and out of the area.