35 the cylindrical element 60 is formed with an annular shoulder 62 at one end thereof which is closely spaced from the cylindrical element 42 to generally prevent the intrusion of foreign material in the space 63 between the element 60 and inner opposed structure of the member 14 as well as structurally reinforcing member 60 cylindrical element 60 also performs an important function as a barrier against outward expansion of seal 35 which if unimpeded could result in rupture in other words increased pressures within the conduit can act as seal 35 and in the absence of such a barrier seal 35 could 34 blow out 34 or rupture also in the event of rupture of seal 35 cylindrical member 60 channels escaping fluid such as steam and the like axially along the joint instead of outwardly and lessens the possibility of injury to passersby in operation the expansion joint 8 is capable of permitting the expansion and contraction of the pipes 10 11 a distance equivalent to the movement of the member 14 from the position shown in fig1 to the position shown in fig2 or to the line 64 shown in fig1 during movement of the pipes to these.