1 EXHIBIT 23 INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement No. 333-68895 of Vulcan Materials Company on Form S-3 of our reports dated February 5, 1999 (March 10, 1999 as to Note 15b), appearing in and incorporated by reference in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Vulcan Materials Company for the year ended December 31, 1998 and to the reference to us under the heading "Experts" in the Prospectus, which is part of this Registration Statement. /s/DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP Birmingham, Alabama March 19, 1999