In winter, ice cover or ice jam present in many rivers in cold regions due to decrease in temperature. The presence of ice cover/ice jam imposes a solid boundary to flow. The velocity profile under ice-covered condition is totally different compared to open channel flow. Under ice-covered condition, the maximum velocity occurs between channel bed and the bottom of the ice cover and is dependent on the relative roughness of these two boundaries. Thus, the local scour process around bridge piers/abutments under ice-covered condition differs from that under open channel flow condition,which has been investigated by many researchers. However, limited research work regarding local scour process around bridge piers/abutments under ice-covered condition has been reported. In this paper, research results regarding local scour process around bridge piers/abutments under ice-covered flow condition have been reviewed and compared. Analysis and discussions of the reported results have been conducted. Future research topics regarding this topic have been proposed. © 2020, China Water Power Press. All right reserved.