Most of the past studies on high strength bolted tensile joints have dealt with the local load transferring mechanism of connections, such as split tee joints subjected to only tension, for simplicity. However, in order to apply these joints to bridge structures, the overall behavior of such connections must be made clear considering actual load combinations consisting of axial force, bending moment and shear force. In this study, therefore, the loading tests of connections using this type of joints for box cross-sections are carried out, paying attentions to the effect of the load combinations on the rigidity and strength. Based on the experimental results, the applicability to the connections of bridge structural members is discussed. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.