  We investigate the ground-state properties of a correlated model for the
double-chain structure in cuprates. We consider the $t$-$J$ model, in which the
nearest-neighbor spin interaction $J_1$ is smaller than the
next-nearest-neighbor interaction $J_2$ corresponding to the CuO double-chain
structure. We vary $J_1$ from antiferromagnetic to ferromagnetic values and
calculate the correlation functions including the superconducting pair
correlation function. Employing the density-matrix renormalization group
method, we show that the ground state for antiferromagnetic $J_1$ exhibits the
hallmarks of the Luther-Emery liquid phase, in which the spin-singlet pair and
charge-density-wave correlations exhibit power-law decays against distance, and
the spin correlation function decays exponentially. Its signatures are
gradually dismissed as $J_1$ approaches the ferromagnetic regime. Our findings
suggest that the antiferromagnetic double-chain structure without ferromagnetic
bonds is favorable for superconductivity.
