Reactor core shroud repair using splice plate to bridge weld seam

An apparatus for repairing a shroud in which one or more seam welds are cracked. The repair involves the attachment of a splice bracket to the shroud so that the bracket bridges the cracked weld seam and is applicable to both vertical and horizontal weld seams. The bracket is intended to structurally replace the shroud seam weld which is cracked. Multiple splice brackets can be placed along the length of a crack. Each splice bracket is attached to the shroud by a plurality of tapered fastener assemblies. Each tapered fastener assembly includes a first fastener element having a threaded surface and a conical surface coaxial with the threaded surface; a slotted sleeve having an internal surface which matches the conical surface of the first fastener element and an external surface which matches a circular cylindrical surface, and a flange which extends radially outward beyond the external surface; and a second fastener element having a threaded surface threadably engaged with the threaded surface of the first fastener element. The sleeve fits inside aligned holes in the splice bracket and shroud.