<p>The finite element simulation of multi-crack propagation in asphalt mixture typically involves the use of a global stiffness matrix, which poses significant memory demands. To address this limitation, this study developed a pixel-based finite element method (PFEM) for simulating multi-crack propagation in asphalt mixtures, which effectively eliminates the need for a global stiffness matrix, thereby reducing memory usage by 51.5%. In PFEM, each pixel of asphalt mixture computed tomography (CT) image is treated as an individual finite element, with an embedded boundary element technique used to mitigate stress concentrations along jagged boundaries of asphalt mixture components, and the maximum tensile stress adopted as the failure criterion for the pixel-based finite elements. The crack path simulated by PFEM for asphalt mixtures are closed align with those obtained using a peridynamic numerical model, verifying the accuracy of PFEM method. The simulation results reveal that stress concentration near the voids triggers crack initiation in fine aggregate mixture. As cracks propagate, they may deflect or connect with the air voids, and the stress concentrations among multi-crack tips further promote crack coalescence. This work not only provides a novel method for calculating multi-crack propagation in asphalt mixture, but also opens new avenues for studying the pixel-level cracking behavior of asphalt mixtures.</p>