Abstract <p>This paper establishes a prediction model for the stress induced by dust load on a transmission line, considering the particle size distribution (PSD) of dust particles. The model not only accounts for the actual PSD of dust particles but also predicts the stress exerted by dust particles on a transmission line based on the soft-sphere collision model. By combining the PSD with the collision probability of dust particles of different sizes with the transmission line, the prediction of the total stress on the line is achieved. The results show that although the proportion of particles with a size of 10&#xa0;μm to 20&#xa0;μm is small, the stress they exert on the transmission line is comparable to that of particles smaller than 10&#xa0;μm. For non-desert areas, dust particles larger than 20&#xa0;μm have a negligible impact on the stress on a transmission line. If a single particle size is used to predict the stress on a transmission line, the average particle size will overestimate the stress. Furthermore, as the average wind speed increases, the stress exerted by dust load increases exponentially. The model provides important guidance for the design of transmission line in desert areas and regions prone to dust storms.</p> Graphic abstract <p></p>