Anchors: The ends of a pressurized straight pipeline having expansion joints should be supported by anchors to resist the pressure thrust failing which the expansion joints will be elongated.

1. MAIN ANCHORS: A main anchor is installed where directional change takes place at the end of a line or between expansion joints of different sizes. They have to carry the full pressure thrust, the spring forces, and the frictional forces due to alignment guides and supports and in some cases, the weight of piping, fittings and contents.

2. INTERMEDIATE ANCHORS: Intermediate Anchors divide long pipe runs, with Main Anchors at each end, into individual expanding sections. Intermediate Anchors must provide sufficient strength to withstand the spring forces required to cycle the expansion joint to its rated traverse.

Guiding of the pipe is necessary for proper performance of an expansion joint. Property spaces alignment guides allow the pipe to move along its axis, prevent buckling of the pipe and squirming of the bellows.

As far as possible, expansion joints should be located adjacent to an anchor. Necessary provision should be made for installation of two alignment guides on the opposite side of the expansion joint, the first guide to be positioned at a maximum distance of 4 pipe diameters and the second within 14 pipe diameters of the first guide.