Abstract: A protection structure for a tubular member, such as a blast joint, and a protection element therefore which is an abrasion resistant half sleeve with an inward facing tongue and groove along one axial edge, an outward facing tongue and groove along the other axial edge, a groove in one arcuate end and a projection on the other arcuate end, two of said elements forming a protection ring and a plurality of said rings being supported on a tubular member by upper and lower supports which provide tongue and groove engagement with the upper end of the upper ring and with the lower end of the lower ring.