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. 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. 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.