Abstract: In order to research the mechanical properties of the typical butterfly-shaped joint in a heavy cross layer truss for a new-built steel railway station，model test and numerical calculation were adopted． The test model was designed according to the proportion of 1∶ 4 scale and the counterforce device was designed specially to ensure the boundary condition of the rods being hinged，the weak links and failure modes were clear by pseudo-static test． The model test analysis was verified by numerical calculation considering the material yield and fracture failure． At the same time，the effects of three different reinforced methods including flitch plate joint，cover plate joint and sleeve joint on bearing capacity and energy dissipation ability of the joint were considered to compare with the original joint without any strengthening measures． The results showed that the flitch plate method was worth popularizing for it could improve the energy dissipation of the joint and had a better manufacturability．