The aim of this work is to propose an algorithm to simulate the packed bed structure of mono-sized spheres in cylindrical containers. The approach employed is called soft spheres algorithm, because it allows some degree of interpenetration between particles. The force balance accounts for gravity and contact force (to take into account the interpenetration), and neglects the friction force between particles. The algorithm provides detailed information about packing structure so it can be employed to evaluate local and global properties. The results fit better the experimental information than previous algorithms from the literature. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.