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                                                                    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