The historical past of a building has a key influence on the variability of geotechnical conditions. These conditions change with a modification of the structural system, a change in function or only architectural elements (fashionable in a given period). In the article, various geotechnical and geophysical surveys are described, which led to a discovery of potential causes of a structural failure at historical Castle of Dukes of Pomerania in Szczecin. The investigation resulted in a discovery of an underground tunnel system constructed under the Castle, which existence was only suspected. The tunnels were constructed primarily during II World War, but also before that period. The article summarizes facts discovered due to investigation as well as historical and geological background related to the execution of the reinforced concrete and masonry tunnels. The lesson learned resulting from this discovery is that great care should be taken when historical areas are considered, even if the structure seems to be massive and robust.

The following article collects and describes several practical problems that can be encountered when performing geophysical field measurements using the electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) method. The methodology of work carried out with the Terrameter LS apparatus of the Swedish company ABEM (currently the company has changed its name to GUIDELINE GEO) was presented and discussed. The attention was paid to interesting solutions that increase the efficiency of works, especially in works related to linear investments. Errors that may appear during the use of the roll-along method are indicated, in particular, those appearing in measurements where too long measurement sections are transferred, as well as problems resulting from high electrode earthing, nonlinear profile traces and variable morphology. It describes how the use of different measurement systems affects the depth of prospecting, and which systems cope well in the area with disturbances. The article also emphasizes that the work should be properly planned before starting field research.

Appropriate design in linear construction depends on many factors, including detailed geological conditions. One of the biggest problems are unrecognized erosion forms, in particular karst ones, which have a huge impact on the design and subsequent operation of roads. For this purpose, in addition to conventional methods such as drilling or geotechnical probing, which are point-based, non-invasive spatial geophysical methods are used. This article presents an example of the use of geoelectrical surveys, Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) for the recognition of karst zones for linear investments. The article describes ERT investigations, which to some extent allows to identify dangerous karst phenomena occurring in the Lublin Upland (Poland), which are of great importance at the design stage of roads and in their further safe operation. Non-invasive geophysical research has been verified and confirmed by traditional geotechnical research, which confirms the effectiveness of their use. The Electrical Resistivity Tomography was used as a method providing a broader spectrum of knowledge on the spatial arrangement of soil layers in the subgrade of the planned road investments. It also enabled a more accurate, more detailed interpretation of geotechnical studies. The described geophysical investigations opens wide possibilities for their application to researchers. In the future, non-invasive methods have a chance to become as reliable as geotechnical methods, but this requires a lot of research to improve the effectiveness and accuracy of the interpretation of the obtained results.