Abstract: An expansion joint is provided. The expansion joint is formed from a plurality of layers comprising a ring tie-in ply, a pair of arch rings at opposing transition points, two body plies, with inverted bias cut angles between about 48° to 60°, where about is typically plus or minus 1 degree. The arch geometry is such that the arch has an axial length C between the transition points and an inner surface arch circumference length of A between the transition points in a neutral state, such that the maximum compression distance for the expansion joint is the length C, the maximum elongation distance for the expansion joint is a length (A-C), and a maximum lateral deflection length for the expansion joint is a length Y.