###### Abstract
Therefore, the cause of roof-type mine tremors is not solely related to the tensile fracturing of hard roofs but is also related to shear fracturing during the process of rock layers fracturing. In many instances, the hard rock strata above coal seams are typically sandstones formed through sedimentation. Despite variations in their thickness and strength, they occur as layered structures and have interlayered weak structural planes. These interlayer structural planes separate the rock layers and are often argillaceous-cemented inside. They influence the flexural behaviors and fracture patterns of the rock strata, complicating the rupture mechanism of the seismic sources of roof-type tremors. Some mines have exhibited characteristics of synchronous fracturing in multiple layers of thick hard sandstones [18]. The interactions between different sandstone layers merit further study, especially considering the impact of interlayer rupture as it may be a factor contributing to increased shear rupture components at the seismic source. [PERSON] et al. [19] utilized a borehole tiltmeter to monitor the movement of the overlying strata, and they found that the overlying strata underwent numerous shear movements during the extraction process of the coal seam. The horizontal displacement between different strata increases with depth, suggesting that the overlying strata of the coal seam can generate interlayer slippage, and the interlayer failure must be shear failure. [PERSON] et al. [20] investigated the behavior of interfacial cracks between two distinct rock layers under tensile and compressive conditions. [PERSON] et al. [21] and [PERSON] et al. [22] examined the influence of bedding interfaces on rock crack trajectories. [PERSON] et al. [23] found that the interlayer shear friction is governed by the shear strength at the interface, and interlayer sliding can disrupt the integrity of the beam cross-section, leading to a decrease in the flexural strength. [PERSON] et al. [24] pointed out that horizontal stress has an impact on rock layer buckling, crushing, and abutment sliding. Abutment (rock mass that supports the beam at both ends of the beam) sliding may occur in beams with low span-thickness ratios (i.e., thick beams), while crushing and buckling occur in slender beams [25]. [PERSON] et al. [26] experimentally determined that the interface strength significantly influences the propagation of rock fractures, and interfacial debonding occurs when the interface strength falls below a critical threshold. [PERSON] [27] theoretically analyzed the interlayer shear conditions under bending conditions for layered rock masses and concluded that the interlayer sliding depends on the geometric form of the rock layers, the level of loading, and the interlayer shear strength. The occurrence of earthquakes, water inflow, fires, and other disasters will also lead to a reduction in the strength and deformation parameters of the layered strata, which is also an important factor affecting the stability design of the goat [28]. Although researchers have achieved significant research results in terms of the stress distribution, deformation, and fracture characteristics of composite beams, further research is needed to understand the interlayer shear sliding behavior of composite rock masses and its interaction with rock layer fracturing. In this study, to investigate the fracture and interlayer shear sliding behavior of composite rock layers, a three-point bending experiment was designed for composite sandstone specimens. A quantitative analysis was conducted to study the fracturing, deformation, interlayer sliding acceleration characteristics, and acoustic emission features of the composite rock layers. The aim of this study was to investigate the behavior of interlayer shear sliding that occurs during the bending process of composite rock strata and, subsequently, to discuss the mechanism of roof-type mine tremors. The results of this study provide a reference for the prevention and control of coal mine tremors.