BiteLock
BiteLock
is designed to construct building frames with high precision and provide excellent load-bearing capacity while avoiding mechanical metal connections. It combines a traditional, time-tested construction technique with modern technology, using materials like CLT (Cross-Laminated Timber) and glulam.
BiteLock aims to contribute to more sustainable construction by avoiding the use of any metal fasteners. Currently, connectors used to join timber frame materials are often made of metal, unlike these joints. By eliminating a large number of fasteners like screws, nails, and metal brackets, the ergonomics on construction sites improve, reducing the risk of repetitive strain injuries. This also allows for easy assembly with the help of a crane, significantly reducing the construction time for a timber frame.
The CLT panels arriving at the construction site are ready for same-day (JIT) assembly. Different joints are designed for various parts of the building, including corner joints, floor edges, wall-to-wall connections,, etc. The elements is prefabricated in a factory and transported to the site, allowing it to be assembled like a puzzle or Lego. Through the geometric design of the joints and the weight of the materials, a self-locking system is created for all parts of the structural framework.
This type of framing solution makes it easier to disassemble or expand the structure by lifting apart the floor and wall elements in the same way they were assembled. By avoiding any type of mechanical metal fasteners, sorting is simplified, as the elements consists solely of wood. The floor and wall elements can also be reused for new buildings or relocated to different sites.
Using the BiteLock system opens up new possibilities for constructing with CLT. We have developed a visualization of a concept building to demonstrate the potential of a full-scale structure utilizing the BiteLock system.