An analytical model for predicting the corrosion-induced cracking of concrete cover of reinforced concrete (RC) structures was developed.The effects of influence factors such as practical initial defects,corrosion rate,strength and elastic modulus of concrete on the corrosion-induced cracking of concrete cover were investigated.It was found that the size of practical initial defects was the most effective factor.Therefore,improving the compactness of concrete is an effective way to improve the durability of RC structures.It was also demonstrated that the accelerated corrosion tests may be unfavorable in the study of the relationship between cracking time and crack width.