Abstract: The precise calculation of J integration is fundamental to safety assessment of structure containing defects. For surface crack in pipe, this paper presents the finite element model including line spring element that is used for J integration calculation, as well as numerical examples. With the model in this paper the precise failure assessment curves can be generated based on J integration theory. Numerical results are pro-vided as to the analysis of the effects of the various kinds factors on the failure assessment curve. It is showed that a single failure assessment curve is not enough precise because such factors as crack size and material performance parameter have effects on failure assessment curves. Therefore, the finite element method presented in the article is particular valuable to the precision failure assessment of cracked pipe.