Groyne to control the direction and velocity of flow in rivers is generally installed for the purpose of protecting riverbanks or embankments from erosion caused by running water. In particular, as interest in river restoration and natural river improvement increases, groynes are proposed as a key hydraulic structure for local flow control and riparian habitat establishment. Groynes are installed mainly in groups rather than as individual structures. In case of groynes installed as a group,

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... around the groynes change according to spacing in between the groynes. Therefore, groyne spacing is regarded as the most important factor in groyne design. This study aimed at examining changes of flows around and within the area of groynes that take place according to the spacing of groynes installed in order to propose the optimal spacing for upward groynes. To examine flow characteristics around groynes, this study looked at flows in main flow area and recirculation flow area separately. In main flow area, it examined the impact of flow velocity increasing as a result of conveyance reduction that is exerted on river bed stability in relation to changes in the maximum flow velocity according to installation spacing. As a factor causing impacts on scouring and sedimentation within the area of groynes, recirculation flow in the groyne area can lead problems concerning flow within the area and stability of embankment. As for recirculation area, an analysis was conducted on the scale of rotational flow and the flow around embankment that exerts impacts on stability of the embankment. In addition, a comparative analysis was carried with reference to changes of the central point of rotational flow that occur within the area of groynes. As a result of compositely examining the results, the appropriate installation spacing is proposed as min. four times-max. six times considering a decrease in flow velocity according to the installation of upward groynes, river bed stability and stability of embankments against counterflow within the area of groynes.