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Progressive collapse of a structural system can lead to catastrophic disasters. Most of the literature on this research topic aims to best describe and predict a progressive collapse event; few studies, however, aim to develop techniques to mitigate progressive collapse and, thus, minimize structural system vulnerability. This paper aims to present and validate a Finite Element (FE) model developed to study optimal positioning of stiffening members; previous study of Andrade et al. [1] has shown that stiffening elements can mitigate progressive collapse in moment resisting frames through optimal internal forces distribution. The FE analyses were carried out in Abaqus [2]. Preliminary results of models are presented on which stiffening element were positioned at the middle, first third and second third of the span. The FE models well capture a progressive collapse event and further research shall be carried out on this topic.