ABSTRACT
This chapter presents the outcomes of a research project to develop a context-specific conceptual model-ontology, which can support the discourse of requirements engineering and provide a robust and universally applicable framework for evaluating the communication capabilities of building information modeling (BIM) collaboration tools. To develop the model, BIM collaboration tools were examined from five phases-perspectives: users and their requirements, vendors, schemata for data interoperability, collaboration tool use patterns and improvement. The research focuses on the communication aspect of BIM collaboration, specifically in developing a conceptual model to support Requirements Engineering for BIM collaboration tools. The WIMBIM can be used to provide a more explicit, software-agnostic and technology paradigm-independent understanding of BIM communication waste. Additionally, BIM Standards can be complemented based on Communication Theory and BIM communication waste. The WIMBIM can provide a framework for evaluating BIM collaboration tools, new paradigms and standards that is any development should be scrutinised against its potential to reduce communication waste.
