The addition of tie rods to a Universal Bellows Assembly adds design flexibility to a piping system. The tie rods are attached to the pipe or flange with lugs that carry the pressure thrust of the system, eliminating the need for main anchors. With the assembly tied, the ability to absorb axial growth is lost. Only lateral and angular movement can be absorbed with the tied expansion joint. The addition of tie rods does not eliminate the need for a well-planned guide system for the adjacent piping.