There are many applications in a piping system requiring restrained expansion joints to provide flexibility while restraining pressure thrust and other external loads. Hinge and gimbal non metallic expansion joints are restrained designs that allow for one plane or multiple plane angular movements respectively. They are normally used in sets of two or three to absorb large system movements. Universal non metallic expansion joints are also a restrained design that allows lateral movement in a single unit. The external hardware of the hinge, gimbal and universal expansion joints are designed to absorb the thrust forces that occur from the operating pressure. The use of restrained expansion joints allows for an optimal design with a smaller footprint. The economic benefit of this design includes fewer guides, anchors and supports.