###### Abstract  
Adobe construction is a longstanding practice in South America and is characterized by its affordability, accessibility, and ecological sustainability. However, the decision-making process regarding the choice of construction materials often relies on subjective factors, disregarding economic implications throughout the life cycle of a building. This study aimed to introduce life-cycle cost analysis (LCCA) as a valuable tool for optimizing decision making in the context of adobe construction materials in South America. This study emphasizes the significance of considering the life-cycle costs associated with adobe construction materials and their impact on decision-making processes. A comprehensive case study was conducted in South America to examine the various adobe construction scenarios. The life-cycle costs of different adobe materials and their associated maintenance strategies were assessed over a period of several decades, considering factors such as material acquisition, construction, maintenance, and repair. The values used in this study are specific to Ecuador, the country where the investigation was conducted.  
adobe; life cycling cost analysis; LCCA; construction materials +
Footnote †: journal: Medical Economics  
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renewable, and has excellent thermal insulation properties, making it energy-efficient and cost-effective in both hot and cold climates.  
In sustainable building practices, construction materials play a crucial role in achieving both environmental responsibility and economic efficiency. Adobe, a traditional building material with known ecological and thermal benefits, has garnered significant attention in recent years. However, several aspects remain, primarily regarding the use of transportation [7]. With the pressing need for sustainable solutions in the construction industry, the incorporation of adobe as a viable alternative has gained prominence worldwide [8; 9].  
This kind of building minimizes expenses because it is generally basic and easy to accomplish, and it may be built with local materials. The embodied energy and carbon footprints of earth buildings are typically smaller than those of buildings made with more complex materials, such as masonry, concrete, or steel [1].  
Adobe is used as a sustainable construction material mainly owing to its five properties: (i) affordable production costs and broad availability; (ii) significant energy savings, primarily using renewable energy; (iii) exceptional workability and ideal mechanical qualities for buildings; (iv) effortless assimilation into the regional ecology, utilizing indigenous resources and methods; and (v) simplicity in recycling construction leftovers [6].  
This study focuses on exploring the concept of Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) within the context of adobe construction materials. LCCA is a method that assesses the total cost of a material, including not just the initial investment but also the costs incurred throughout its entire life cycle [8]. Through a thorough analysis, LCCA provides valuable insights into the economic viability of materials, uncovering their long-term benefits and disadvantages based on the literature.  
The article is organized as follows: First, a brief literature review of the use of adobe in South America is presented, along with the results of experimental research and structural analysis of existing buildings. This is followed by the methodology used to conduct the proposed analysis, which includes a description of the factors analyzed and the assumptions made to arrive at the result.  
Subsequently, the study of data for the analysis is presented, first describing the initial costs, which refer to the extraction and manufacturing costs. This is followed by operational and maintenance costs and, finally, the costs of disposal and recovery/reuse.