Abstract: By using the finite element method (FEM) based on theory of linear elastic fracture mechanics, stress intensity factor and crack initiation angle were calculated for surface cracks in asphalt concrete (AC) pavements with three different crack depths under five load cases. Top-down propagation path in AC pavements was simulated and the effects of pavement structure and temperature on the surface crack propagationwere analyzed. The analytical results show that crack propagation is obviously influenced by temperature, thickness of pavement structure and elastic modulus of AC, and the degree of influence increases with the increase of surface crack depth.