ABSTRACT The Semi-Analytical Finite Element method is an effective method for modeling the load response of structures in which the material properties and problem geometry do not change in one coordinate direction. The method offers considerable savings in computational requirements compared to a full three-dimensional finite element analysis, yet allows the modeling of complex pavement design situations such as those involving cracks or non-homogeneous layers. In this paper, the background to, and theoretical basis of the semi-analytical finite element method is presented. The application of the method to a pavement response evaluation is illustrated. Results obtained with the semi-analytical finite element method are compared with the corresponding theoretical (closed-form) solution. It is shown that there is a good agreement between results obtained with the theoretical solution and those obtained with the semi-analytical finite element method.