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DirectDesignsoftwareruss PetersonThe creation of the Direct Design Handbook(TMS 403-10) was a remarkable step forward inthe accelerated design of basic masonry buildings.It is a consensus standard according to the ANSIprocess and is referenced in the International Build-ing Codeand the International Residential Code. Iteliminates many of the steps necessary in a conventionaldesign and handles detailing for all parts ofthe wall, including lintels and control joints. However,it still leaves the engineer with a considerabletime investment to work through the steps andthen produce construction drawings for each wall.From the outset, the question was raised whethersoftware could automate this process and make thedesign even easier.Enter Direct Design Software. Completed inJanuary 2012, this new tool fully unlocks thepower of the Direct Design approach. The tediumof table lookups and repetition of simple steps overand over is now fully automated, as is the detailingof every block, bar, and control joint. Both theHandbook and the software are based on MSJC-08 (TMS 402-08/ACI 530-08/ASCE 5-08 Build-ing Code Requirements for Masonry Structures) anddeemed to comply with the 2012 InternationalBuilding Codeand International Residential Code.12 Concrete Masonry Designs