what is the significance of differential calculus in civil engineering?

Answer 1

Differential equations pop up everywhere in all fields of engineering. To solve differential equations you need to know calculus.

Two examples of problems that you will encounter in civil that involve differential equations are:

When you are designing any type of structure you will want to figure out what will happen to that structure when you apply a load (weight) at various points. One thing that happens is that the structure will deform. Usually you will know the rate of deformation as a function of stress/strain and to solve for the total deformation you will need solve a system of differential equations.

Another example is, you want to build an large building that can withstand earthquakes. In order to do this you basically use huge dampers as part of the base. To figure out what sort of dampers you need you have to solve differential equations.

Answer 2

#1 is right. Calculus and physics and engineering tie together in some wierd way that makes the solution to many problems where more than one variable changes at a time (dxdy...sound familiar). In short you'll need it. If the scientific reason doesn't work for you; I had to learn it so so should you.

Answer 3

You will surely use it to design structural parts, loadings, and forecast deformations of all kinds.