There is provided a pipe joint between a first pipe end and a second pipe end. The pipe joint includes telescoping means allowing the ends to move axially with respect to each other while maintaining fluid-type communication. The joint also includes a plurality of contraction units located exterally of the pipe ends and the telescoping means. Each contraction unit includes a rod member with one end engaged with a first flange member fixed with respect to the first pipe end, while the other end of the rod member is secured to a piston riding in a cylinder with a cylinder bottom, the cylinder being engaged with a second flange member fixed with respect to the second pipe end. The cylinder bottom lies is between the piston and the previously defined one end of the rod member, and the cylinder is displaced axially away from the telescoping means. A fluid conduit connects the interior of one of the pipe ends with the cylinder volume lying between the piston and the cylinder bottom, so that the pressure inside the cylinder volume is a function of the pressure inside one of the pipe ends. This allows compensation for the expansion forces arising from pressure in the pipe joint, but does so with a structure in which the contraction units are not located directly opposite the telescoping means, thus facilitating disassembly for repair and other purposes.