Study on the Freeze-Thaw Durability and Carbon Emission Reduction Benefits of Geopolymer EPS Concrete

In an effort to explore the influence mechanism of expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam particle content on the freeze-thaw resistance of geopolymer EPS concrete (GEPSC) and realize the synergistic optimization of freeze-thaw durability and low-carbon performance, systematic tests on the apparent morphology, mass loss rate, and relative dynamic elastic modulus (RDEM) of GEPSC with different EPS contents (30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%) were conducted via freeze-thaw cycle tests. A parabolic damage model was established based on the theory of damage mechanics, and comparisons were made between GEPSC and conventional EPS concrete (EPSC) in terms of microstructure and carbon emission effect. Results indicate that the freeze-thaw resistance of GEPSC exhibits a nonlinear negative correlation with EPS content, which clarifies the applicable scope of GEPSC with different EPS dosages. The fitting correlation coefficient R² of the established parabolic damage model is all higher than 0.98, which can accurately predict the evolution law of freeze-thaw damage of GEPSC. The interfacial transition zone of GEPSC is indistinct and the geopolymer matrix presents a denser structure. Compared with EPSC of the same density, the carbon emission of GEPSC is reduced by 45.3%, demonstrating that GEPSC integrates favorable freeze-thaw resistance with prominent environmental benefits. This study provides a scientific basis for the mixed proportion design and engineering application of low-carbon concrete materials in cold regions.