Hi,

I am modelling a 3D masonry vault with a masonry wall built above it. I am trying to analyse the structure under gravity loads while also simulating the construction stages. In Step 1, only the vault is analysed, while in Step 2 the wall is introduced.

After Step 1, the vault undergoes downward displacement under its self-weight. Therefore, when the wall is introduced in Step 2, a small gap appears between the vault and the wall because the wall is activated with respect to the undeformed configuration.

This issue does not occur if I run only Step 2 without simulating the construction stages.

I tried adjusting the contact tolerance between the vault and the wall, but it did not solve the problem.

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to address this issue?

Thank you very much.