The use of Knowledge Based Systems in Civil Engineering design is examined, with especial reference to bridge design. The effectiveness of the systems which have been built to date is assessed in the light of past successes such a s finite element analysis and reasons are put forward as to the slow acceptance rate of Knowledge Based Systems by industry. Assuming these reasons to be correct, the current use of heuristics in Knowledge Based Systems is analysed and 5 broad groupings of heuristics are identified. These groupings are then assessed in terms of their being replaced by either more detailed heuristics or by more fundamental procedures usually called deep knowledge. It is suggested that by so identifying and replacing current heuristics that the utility of Knowledge Based Systems will be enhanced to the point where they are valuable design aids rather than as at present being simulations of current expert thought processes. The idea of pushing back the boundaries arises because the above substitution will probably increase the amount of analysis in design at the expense of pure conceptual design.

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