Abstract: A splice sleeve for receiving and connecting adjoining ends of a pair of reinforcing bars or rods in which the sleeve includes a rigid shell having a cylindrical external surface and an internal surface with ridges constructed to provide a wedging action and compression of grouting introduced into the shell. In one embodiment, the shell includes an internal surface which tapers inwardly toward the ends of the shell. In another embodiment, the shell has a cylindrical internal surface with ridges which increase in height from the centermost ridges to the outer ridges.