Due to the limited experimental data on the seismic performance of concrete-encased steel columns, standardized guidelines for nonlinear modeling parameters and acceptance criteria have not yet been developed. This study utilized analytical and numerical methods to predict the nonlinear behavior of concrete-encased steel columns with H-shaped steel sections. The findings of this study have direct and practical implications for the design and evaluation of concrete-encased steel columns. For instance, for concrete-encased steel columns constructed with normal-strength concrete and subjected to low-to-moderate axial load ratios, the yield rotation angle can be determined through fiber-based section analysis and analytical equations, and the nonlinear modeling parameter can be evaluated based on section analysis and the proposed empirical equation. For concrete-encased steel columns with high-strength concrete or high axial load ratios, inconsistencies between section analyses and experimental results are observed. Accordingly, the nonlinear modeling parameter a can be evaluated using the proposed empirical equation. The empirical equation was conservatively developed based on the modeling parameter criteria for reinforced concrete columns in ASCE 41-13.