## 6 Conclusions  
Using the eastern pit slope in the Wolong Coal Mine as a case study, this study employs diverse methodologies to conduct research on the deformation patterns and failure mechanism of soft-hard-interbedded anti-inclined layered rock slopes. The following main conclusions are drawn:  
1. This study establishes a landslide investigation framework based on the integration of multiple techniques, including field investigations, remote sensing analysis, experimental analysis, integrated physical exploration methods, and three-dimensional numerical simulations, for elucidating slope deformation patterns and damage mechanisms. 2. In this study, a combination of field surveys, ERT surveys, and SRT analyses was employed to comprehensively determine the three-dimensional stratigraphic structure and characteristics of slip surfaces in the study area. The results indicate that the eastern pit slope is alternate layers of sandstone, mudstone, and sandy mudstone with an average stratigraphic dip angle of 78\({}^{\circ}\)\(\angle\)\(78^{\circ}\), which represents a typical soft-hard-interbedded anti-inclined layered rock slope. The potential slip surface is located at a deeper depth and is predominantly continuous, with a steeper upper part and a gentler lower section. 3. A combination of standard geotechnical tests, rock thin section analyses, SEM and XRD analyses was employed to characterize the rock mass properties. The results show that the rock masses in the study area exhibit low strength, with clay mineral contents from 15.6% to 33.8% in sandstone and mudstone and 29.7% to 59.6% in mudstone and sandy mudstone. Since high contents of clay minerals make the rock mass hydrophilic and expansive, rock masses are susceptible to softening and damage when exposed to water. 4. The numerical simulation results of FLAC3D show that following the pit slope excavation, the potential slip surface continuously expanded and extended upward, while stress accumulation concentrated predominantly at the slope's corners. The soft rock layers in the middle and lower sections of the slope initially underwent bulging deformation. With the aggravation of deformation, the upper rock layers also unloaded and deformed to the free surface, showing a typical flexural toppling failure pattern. 5. We highlight the significant role of stratigraphic structure and rock hydrophilicity and expansivity in controlling the deformation of the eastern pit slope in the Wolong Coal Mine. Surface water retention, freeze-thaw cycles, and human-driven engineering activities are the main triggers of pit slope destabilization. The deformation and failure process of the eastern pit slope can be categorized into four stages: the initial deformation stage, the development stage of lateral shear misalignment, the development stage of horizontal tensile-shear damage, and the slip surface development to the preslip stage. The research presented herein offers valuable insights and engineering implications for the study of soft-hard-interbedded anti-inclined layered rock slopes, both locally and globally. **Author Contributions**: Conceptualization: G.C. and J.Z. ; Methodology: G.C. and Z.Y. ([PERSON]); Formal analysis and investigation: Z.Y. ([PERSON]) and [PERSON]; Writing--original draft preparation: [PERSON] and [PERSON]. ([PERSON]); Writing--review and editing: [PERSON]; Resources: [PERSON] and P.C. ; Software and coding: [PERSON]; Validation: [PERSON]. ([PERSON]); Supervision: [PERSON], [PERSON] ([PERSON]). All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript. **Funding**: This research was funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 42007269), the Young Talent Fund of Xi'an Association for Science and Technology (Grant No. 959202313094), and the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities, CHD (Grant Nos. 300102263501 and 300102263401). **Institutional Review Board Statement**: Not applicable. **Informed Consent Statement**: Not applicable.