The joint in the bell end is precision-made and has an annular compression bead. This assures a flexible seal that remain tight even if the line deflects.  
Jointed Clay Pipe Detail

The joint on the spigot end is precision-made to exact dimensions for quick and easy installation.
  When the pipe is jointed, the annular bead becomes compressed uniformly and thightly between the bell and spigot surfaces.
 
Nominal I.D. (inches) Nominal Laying Length Approximate Weight (lbs. per lineal foot) Minimum ASTM 3-Edge Bearing (lbs. per lineal foot) Minimum SSPWC Greenbook 3-Edge Bearing (lbs. per lineal foot) Nominal O.D. Bell (inches) Nominal Wall Thickness 9inches) Nominal O.D. Barrel (inches)
4 4 10 2000 2000 7 3/8 5/8 5.1
6 6 20 2000 2000 10 3/4 13/16 8.0
8 6 30 2200 2200 13 1 1/8 10.1
10 6 45 2400 2400 16 11/16 1 1/4 12.8
12 6 60 2600 2600 18 1/2 1 1/2 14.6
15 7 90 2900 3100 22 7/16 1 13/16 18.2
18 7 1/2 140 3300 3600 26 9/16 2 1/8 22.6
21 7 191 3850 4200 31 2 5/8 26.1
24 7 240 4400 4800 35 2 15/16 29.7
27 7 315 4700 5200 39 11/16 3 1/4 33.6
30 7 383 5000 5500 45 1/4 3 5/16 37.3
33 10 368 5500 5800 45 1/4 3 1/4 38.5
36 10 425 6000 6300 48 1/2 3 1/2 41.5
42 9 1/2 633 7000 7000 60 4 /14 51