A pipe clamp, comprising: a band extending circumferentially from a first circumferential end to a second circumferential end, and extending axially from a first axial end to a second axial end, said band having an inner surface defining a first channel segment located inwardly of said first and second axial ends (36, 38) and extending at least part way between said first and second circumferential ends (32, 34); a tightening mechanism connected to said band and including at least one fastener (74, 76, 78, 80) to bring said first and second circumferential ends (32, 34) toward each other to tighten said band said tightening mechanism having a reaction block with a radially inward surface; a bridge abutting said inner surface and circumferentially spanning a break in said first channel segment at said tightening mechanism, said bridge having a second channel segment aligned with said first channel segment such that said first and second channel segments (48, 102) together define a substantially continuous circular channel located at an interior portion of said clamp; and a gasket seated at least partially within said channel; characterized by: said bridge having a first side wall extending from a side of said second channel segment to a first axial end which is axially aligned with said first axial end of said band, said bridge having a second side wall extending from an opposite side of said second channel segment to a second axial end which is axially aligned with said second axial end of said band, said bridge having a first embossment located in said first side wall and radially beneath said tightening mechanism, said bridge having a second embossment located in said second side wall and radially beneath said tightening mechanism, said first and second embossments (104, 106) protruding radially outwardly such that, during tightening, said radially inward surface of said reaction block engages said first and second embossments (104, 106) and engages an outer surface of said bridge at said second channel segment to exert a radially-inward force on said embossments (104, 106) and on said second channel segment. a band extending circumferentially from a first circumferential end to a second circumferential end, and extending axially from a first axial end to a second axial end, said band having an inner surface defining a first channel segment located inwardly of said first and second axial ends (36, 38) and extending at least part way between said first and second circumferential ends (32, 34); a tightening mechanism connected to said band and including at least one fastener (74, 76, 78, 80) to bring said first and second circumferential ends (32, 34) toward each other to tighten said band said tightening mechanism having a reaction block with a radially inward surface; a bridge abutting said inner surface and circumferentially spanning a break in said first channel segment at said tightening mechanism, said bridge having a second channel segment aligned with said first channel segment such that said first and second channel segments (48, 102) together define a substantially continuous circular channel located at an interior portion of said clamp; and a gasket seated at least partially within said channel;