The effects of chord axial compression on the ultimate strength of a double-tee (DT) tubular joint subjected to brace out-of-plane bending have been studied both experimentally and numerically. The results from four experimental tests with different levels of chord compression are presented, together with the results of a parametric study using non-linear finite element procedures. The results are compared with the American Petroleum Institute's design rules for DT joints subjected to combined brace and chord loading.
