Implementing tie rods into expansion joint assemblies can deliver multiple benefits and are one of many accessories available for enhancing the capability of expansion joints.

What Are Tie Rods?

What are tie rods? In the most common application, you can find tie rods on your car. A tie rod is a bar that connects your steering wheel and gears to the tires of your vehicle. When you turn the wheel, the tie rod and tires move in that direction.

The ball-in-socket motion within the tie rod allows your car’s wheels to move up and down and side to side in a smooth motion. Tie rods accomplish similar movement for bellows.

Explore the benefits of using tie rods on expansion joint assemblies to see how you can strengthen your bellows’ applications.

Types of Tie Rods

When tie rods enhance expansion joints, they stabilize the movement of expansion joints by containing pressure thrust. Check out the different types of tie rods and the advantages they each offer:

  • Single-Tied. With a single-tied expansion joint, the attachment of the tie rods eliminates axial movement and constantly holds the ends. Some lateral movement is available.
  • Universal-Tied. For applications that need more lateral movement, universal-tied expansion joints are essential. Each element tilts to accommodate lateral offsets but also creates a low lateral spring rate. Universal-tied expansion joints are ubiquitous throughout many industries.
  • Universal-Tied With Limit Rods. When universal-tied rods are paired with limit rods—another expansion joint accessory—they can cap the length of an expansion joint to accommodate axial compression and angular movement while still allowing lateral motion.

Benefits of Tie Rods

The benefits of using tie rod expansion joint assemblies include

  • A straightforward design that contains pressure thrust
  • Being inexpensive
  • Being engineered with a low lateral spring rate and high lateral movement ability
  • Being highly versatile in all industries
  • Having two degrees of movement for single-tied designs
  • Having three degrees of movement for universal-tied designs

Implementing tie rods in your expansion joints can create greater flexibility and enhance your industry’s bellows application. You can learn more about expansion joint pipe fitting with Triad Bellows.