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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1
 
                     CONSENT OF PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP
 
     We consent to the inclusion in this registration statement on Form S-4 of
our report dated March 4, 1998, on our audit of the consolidated financial
statements of American Eco Corporation and subsidiaries as of November 30, 1997
and for the year then ended. We also consent to the references to our firm under
the captions "Experts" and "Selected Historical Consolidated Financial Data."
 
                                            PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP
 
Miami, Florida
July 2, 1998