Abstract: Finite element simulations and full-scale experiments are employed to study the bearing capacity of cross-shaped tubular joints with reinforced plate under brace compression. The results obtained from the two methods are compared and numerical method to simulate the buckling of the tubular joint is investigated. The influence of the penetration of the reinforced plate into the chord tube on the bearing capacity is studied. Then the results obtained from simulation and experiments are compared with those calculated using the equations provided by the Codes. Results show that the final failure mode of cross-shaped tubular joint with reinforced plate under brace compression is the out-of-plane instability of circular plate. It is reasonable to set the maximum initial imperfection displacement to be 0.001 times of the diameter of the chord tube,so as to simulate the buckling of joints through finite element simulation. The technique of the reinforced plate penetrating into the chord tube can improve the displacement stiffness and the bearing capacity of the joint.