The effect may not be direct. In the long run, if concrete is not cooled, there will be loss of water present in the gel structure due to heating effect, and temperature rise. Hence, concrete may become brittlle during service life. Thus, the effects dependent on two factors, a) duration of exposure, b) intenstiy of gamma rays.

Gamma radiation can have a destructive effect on the microstructure of concrete. Concrete is a composite material composed of cement, aggregates (such as sand and gravel), and water. When exposed to gamma radiation, several detrimental effects on the microstructure of concrete can occur:

In applications where concrete is exposed to gamma radiation, such as nuclear power plants or storage facilities for radioactive materials, engineers take these effects into account in the design and selection of appropriate concrete mixes and shielding materials. Special radiation-resistant concrete mixes and construction techniques are used to mitigate the destructive impact of gamma radiation on the concrete's microstructure and, consequently, the structural integrity of the facility.